The U.S is sending a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to West Asia as tensions heightened between the Trump administration and Iran.

This development came amidst a worsening political situation in Iran and questions over Washington’s support for protestors challenging Khamenei’s government.

Per reports, the carrier strike group will take a week to reach the area of responsibility.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is the aircraft carrier being redeployed.

Iran has recently warned the U.S, stating it would target U.S troops and Israel if America launches attacks linked to the protests going in the country.

Regional governments have also issued advisories.

After the movement of U.S strategic naval assets was reported, Iran issued a “Notice to Air Missions”, or NOTAM, that restricted flights in and out of Tehran.

A few officials at a major U.S. military base in Qatar were ordered to leave by Wednesday.

The U.K has advised people to limit travel to Israel, a U.S ally that was involved in missile exchanges with Iran in 2025, highlighting fears of a wider regional conflict.

Protests in Iran have increased since the end of December, due to deteriorating economic conditions. Over 2500 people were killed in the unrest.

U.S President Trump has said that his government would help the Iranian protestors. However, on Wednesday, he claims that Iran eased the crackdown on those protesting on the streets and has agreed to negotiate with Washington, though U.S military preparations in the region continue.