Mike Baker

A carrier strike group, of course, is one of the most powerful and flexible military tools the United States can deploy.

It is the world's most powerful projection of military strength.

At the center of the group is the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, basically a floating air base.

On board is a carrier air wing made up of strike fighters, capable, of course, of precision airstrikes, electronic warfare aircraft designed to blind enemy radar and communications, and airborne early warning planes that provide command and control over a massive battle space.

Escorting the carrier are guided missile cruisers and destroyers, armed with air defense systems capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, and ballistic or cruise missiles.

Often, a carrier strike group also includes an attack submarine, providing intelligence collection and an additional strike capability beneath the surface.

The movement of the carrier strike group is expected to take about a week.

Now, this deployment gives Washington the ability to conduct sustained air operations, establish air superiority, defend regional allies, and strike Iranian military targets, if required, without relying on land-based facilities in the region.

By operating at sea, the U.S.

maintains freedom of action while reducing political pressure on regional partners who might otherwise be asked to host American aircraft or missiles on their territory.

In short, this move expands Washington's options and gives U.S.

military planners greater flexibility as the situation with Iran continues to evolve.

Of course, this doesn't mean that a strike is imminent, but it ensures that if the decision is made, the military peace is already in place.

Meanwhile, we're learning more about why President Trump has, at least for now, supposedly chosen to delay any direct military action against Iran.

As we reported earlier today, there has been an intense lobbying effort from America's Gulf allies, countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, among others, who fear that they would be on the receiving end of missile attacks, proxy violence, and regional chaos if the Iranian regime were struck or collapsed.

But it turns out they weren't the only ones urging caution.

According to new reporting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally asked President Trump to hold off on striking Iran.

The two leaders spoke directly as tensions were peaking, with Netanyahu reportedly arguing that the timing was not right for a U.S.

military strike.

And that request is notable.