From WIONews:
The move to “Ghost Mode” is a psychological tool in Trump’s coercive diplomacy. As of January 26, 2026, the Lincoln is expected to be somewhere between the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Oman, but its exact distance from the Iranian coast remains a mystery.
History shows that U.S. carriers often go dark just days before a major military operation. Similar to the lead-up to Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, the Lincoln’s silence suggests that the “Black Knights” of VMFA-314 are preparing for high-priority missions. By hiding its transit speed and heading, the carrier ensures that if an order for a “1,000-aimpoint strike” is given, the first indication Tehran receives will be the sound of stealth jets overhead, not a notification on a tracking app.