This US Navy handout photograph released on August 4, 2026, by US Central Command Public Affairs shows an F/A-18E Super Hornet launching from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on July 31, 2026. Since the US president aunched a war against Iran in late February, Washington has killed the country's top leadership and attempted to cripple its economy with sanctions and military strikes. In retaliation, Tehran has virtually blocked the vital Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the world's energy supplies normally pass and targeted US allies in the region. (Photo by various sources / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / US NAVY / NAVCENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS" - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS Attention editors: AFP covers the war in the Middle East through its extensive regional network, including bureaus in Tehran, Jerusalem, and several neighboring countries. Since the start of the conflict, journalists have been working under increasingly restrictive conditions. Authorities in several countries have limited reporters' movements, photo and live video coverage from sensitive locations. Some governments and armed groups have banned images of missile or drone strikes and other security-related sites. /