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The United States has ordered its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to sail from the Caribbean toward the Middle East in what officials describe as a buildup of American naval forces amid mounting tensions with Iran. This movement will position a second U.S. carrier and its escort ships in the region, joining the already deployed USS Abraham Lincoln and a group of accompanying warships, according to U.S. officials familiar with the plans.
The decision comes as President Donald Trump considers possible military options over Tehran’s nuclear programme, with diplomatic negotiations ongoing but no agreement yet reached. Officials spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of military deployments.
The USS Gerald R. Ford was recently operating in the Caribbean but will now transit toward the Middle East to bolster U.S. naval power in a region already witnessing heightened strategic competition. Analysts say having two carrier strike groups in the area underscores Washington’s efforts to increase pressure on Iran and reassure allies, even as talks continue.
Details on how long the aircraft carrier will remain deployed in the region have not been disclosed, and the White House has not issued an official comment on the move.
