In what would represent an increase in tensions with Iran, the United States would be evaluating further strengthening its presence in the Middle East with the deployment of another aircraft carrier, should the negotiations currently being held between Tehran and Washington regarding the nuclear program developed by the theocratic regime fail to progress. The news in question was hinted at by President Donald Trump himself during a recent interview with the outlet Axios, stating: “Either we reach a deal, or we’ll have to do something like last time. We have a fleet heading over there and another could be going.”
If this deployment is ultimately carried out, the U.S. Navy would have a significant reinforcement for the Carrier Strike Group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is already in the Gulf demonstrating the deterrent capabilities that Washington is able to employ. Especially following the start of Israel’s war against the terrorist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the presence of at least one of these ships along with its escort in the region’s waters had been a constant on the part of the service, although since last September this had ceased following the departure of the USS Nimitz. Now considering the potential presence of two vessels with such capabilities therefore reflects the current high level of tensions.
In the same interview, the U.S. president indicated that he still hopes to reach an agreement with Iran for it to cease pursuing uranium enrichment, although the expectations of various analysts appear to coincide that this does not represent the most realistic option at present. In addition, Trump himself added that the regime had repeatedly exaggerated its defensive capabilities, and that the attacks against nuclear facilities in June demonstrated Washington’s ability to overcome them without too much difficulty.
From Israel, various warnings have already been issued regarding the possibility of carrying out a unilateral attack against Iran and its nuclear program, considering it an existential threat that would justify military action. In recent dates, Israeli defense officials have already indicated to their U.S. counterparts in high-level meetings that they are willing to move forward with a new operation should Tehran cross a “red line” with the development of ballistic missiles, also presenting detailed plans regarding the steps necessary to degrade research facilities and the various logistical nodes associated with them.
On the other hand, regardless of the development of negotiations with Iran and potential Israeli action, it should be noted that the U.S. Navy would face a significant challenge in deploying another Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East. At present, the service has an aircraft carrier fleet that is already highly tasked, leaving few viable options for the mission, each with its own obstacles.
In detail, speculation in U.S. media points to three possible alternatives: the USS George Washington, the USS George H. W. Bush, and the USS Gerald R. Ford. The first is currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific, while the second is on the East Coast preparing to participate in a COMPTUEX exercise with its escort, leaving the third as one of the main options. However, it should also be recalled that the latter has been deployed for more than 200 days in the Caribbean as part of the framework that pressured the Venezuelan dictatorship in recent months, and it is expected to soon begin its return to Naval Station Norfolk; other aircraft carriers are also undergoing maintenance work or preparing to initiate deployments to other regions, which would complicate their dispatch to the Middle East.
Another possible alternative, moving even further into the realm of speculation, would be that President Trump was not in fact referring to a nuclear aircraft carrier but rather to an amphibious assault ship. In this case, local reports indicate that the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) could leave its post in the Caribbean to guarantee this reinforced presence sought in the Middle East, among other things having the capability to operate F-35B stealth fighters. However, there are no further details available in this regard.
Finally, it should be considered that on the Iranian side announcements have already been made regarding the reinforcement of military presence in nearby waters, something that can mainly be observed in the conduct of exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a key area for global energy trade. Meanwhile, other countries in the region, such as Oman and Qatar, have stepped up diplomatic efforts to avoid further escalation by facilitating the signing of an agreement between Washington and Tehran.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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