USA - Aug 20, 2026 (CCTV Video News Agency - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Screenshot of U.S. Central Command's social media post

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2. Various of White House

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3. White House

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4. Various of Capitol building, U.S. national flag, traffic

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5. National flag of Iran

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6. National flags of Iran

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7. Various of traffic, pedestrians, national flags of Iran

The USS George Washington carrier strike group has arrived in the Middle East and begun its deployment, the U.S. Central Command said Thursday, as the USS Abraham Lincoln concluded its nine-month mission and departed for its home port in California.

The Washington entered the Central Command's area of responsibility on Aug. 19 and is now operating in the region as scheduled, according to a social media post by the command.

The Lincoln had been deployed to the Middle East since January 2026 to take part in U.S. military operations and a naval blockade against Iran, according to U.S. media reports. It has been at sea for more than 250 days, with sailors facing difficult living conditions and mental health issues due to the high-intensity operational tempo and extended deployment.

The Lincoln is now on its way back to its home port in San Diego, California, with the voyage expected to take approximately four to five weeks, The New York Times reported.