Witkoff, Kushner visit USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian Sea after Iran talks
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- US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea on Saturday.
- The visit followed indirect US-Iran nuclear talks held in Muscat, Oman, mediated by the Omani government.
US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea on Saturday, following indirect talks between the United States and Iran held in Muscat, Oman.
Invitation From US Central Command
The visit took place at the invitation of US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper, according to CNN. A senior US official said the purpose of the trip was to express gratitude to US forces deployed in the region.
Witkoff Highlights ‘Peace Through Strength’
Witkoff confirmed the visit in a post on X, saying he met with Adm. Cooper, sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier, its strike group and Carrier Air Wing 9, who he said were “keeping us safe and upholding President Donald Trump’s message of peace through strength.”
Today, Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Jared Kushner, and I met with the brave sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, her strike group, and Carrier Air Wing 9 who are keeping us safe and upholding President Trump’s message of peace… pic.twitter.com/7Kc4XZuBY6
— Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) February 7, 2026
Drone Interception Discussed Onboard
He said the delegation observed live aircraft launch operations and spoke with a pilot who shot down an Iranian drone that approached the carrier.
Visit Follows Indirect Talks With Iran
The visit came one day after indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran concluded in Muscat under Omani mediation. The talks ended without a decisive breakthrough, but Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described them as a “good beginning,” alongside an understanding to continue discussions after consultations with their respective capitals.
Trump: Talks Were ‘Very Good’
President Donald Trump said on Friday that the talks with Iran were “very good,” while noting that the United States continues to maintain a strong military presence in the region.
Military Buildup Continues Despite Diplomacy
US military deployments in the Middle East have accelerated in recent weeks after Trump said that striking Iran remains among his options, although he has not indicated that a final decision has been made.
USS Abraham Lincoln in the Region
The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the region last week amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran and remains stationed in the Arabian Sea.
