Amid ongoing high-level diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran, it's a symbol of underlying mistrust.
Commercial satellite images obtained by CNN reveal that Iran is constructing a large-scale replica of a U.S. military aircraft carrier, complete with fake U.S-style airplanes, near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.
The mock supercarrier seems to have been modeled off of an American Nimitz-class (CVN 68) carrier, down to the number "68" painted on the flight deck, though its intended use remains a mystery.
According to one U.S. official, the mock-up is more akin to a Hollywood set than an actual warship.
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The U.S. government does not believe the carrier is functional, or that Iran is even capable of building an aircraft carrier.
The same official told CNN's Barbara Starr that while the purpose of the fake carrier is unknown, Iran may be planning to destroy it in a propaganda move. The Iranian government has blown up target barges in the past and aired the footage on its state-run media.
