Persian Sting, 2026

On February 20th, 2026, the most powerful American aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is approaching the Persian Gulf region. But can the Iranian Navy — relying on miniature submarines, missile boats, and asymmetric tactics — realistically challenge the US Navy on the Arabian Sea? In this episode, using Command: Modern Operations, we conduct a detailed wargame simulation designed to explore how such a confrontation might unfold. The scenario aims not only to model a potential engagement, but also to provide insight into the structure, doctrine, and operational style of Iran’s naval forces. USS Gerald R. Ford does not enter the Arabian Sea alone. The carrier deploys with a full air wing and is escorted by a standard Carrier Strike Group, providing layered air defense, anti-submarine protection, and long-range strike capability. Additional air support is available from nearby US assets, including aircraft operating out of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. This simulation examines whether a numerically dispersed, highly mobile, and asymmetric maritime force can impose meaningful risk on one of the most powerful naval formations ever assembled.