Washington, United States. The United States is deploying a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East as Washington seeks to pressure Tehran into negotiations, according to reports from American media outlets on Thursday evening.
Redeployment of USS Gerald R. Ford
Reuters reported that the USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying escort vessels will redeploy from the Caribbean to the region, according to the New York Times, which cited US officials. The White House and Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
Trump signals possible additional naval assets
The deployment follows President Donald Trump’s statement earlier this week that he was considering sending additional naval assets to the Middle East if diplomatic efforts with Iran fail to yield results.
Existing carrier strike group in the region
The USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by several guided-missile destroyers, arrived in the region in January as the first carrier strike group in the current build-up.
Statements on negotiations and regional reactions
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump emphasised the urgency of reaching an agreement with Iran, suggesting negotiations could conclude within a month. “We have to make a deal, otherwise it’s going to be very traumatic, very traumatic,” Trump said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism on Thursday that Trump’s approach might create conditions for a diplomatic resolution that would prevent military confrontation with Iran.
Escalation in military presence
The carrier deployment represents a significant escalation in US military presence in the region as diplomatic efforts continue.
How do you think the expanded US naval presence could affect efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement with Iran?
