WASHINGTON: The Pentagon has ordered a second aircraft carrier to deploy to the Middle East, US media reported Thursday, as President Donald Trump weighs taking military action against Iran.
Washington and Tehran began indirect talks last week over the future of Iran’s nuclear program, and Trump on Thursday warned of “very traumatic” consequences for the country if it failed to make a nuclear deal.
Late last month, Trump sent the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying warships to the Gulf as he ramped up threats against Iran over its alleged violent crackdown on anti‑government protests. The vessels remain in the region.
According to AFP, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships will join that strike group after officials ordered it to the Middle East from its current deployment in the Caribbean Sea, multiple US media outlets reported, citing unnamed officials.
Reports from outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and CBS News detailed the Pentagon’s preparations and the expected deployment of the second carrier, all citing unnamed sources familiar with the planning.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to questions from AFP about the deployment or details of its timing.
The USS Gerald R. Ford initially deployed in June and was soon directed to the Caribbean as part of Trump’s pressure campaign on Venezuela, according to The New York Times.
Some of the carrier’s warplanes participated in the deadly January 3 operation in Caracas that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, The New York Times reported.
It was not clear how long the USS Ford or the USS Lincoln would remain in the Middle East as part of the expanded naval presence.
