The Pentagon has ordered a second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare to be deployed to the Middle East, in another step in the escalation of pressure from the United States on Iran. The move, which would leave the American Navy with two ships of this size in the region, is part of military plans for a possible attack on the Persian country, according to three US officials interviewed by the Wall Street Journal.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (10) that he was considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to prepare for possible military action if negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program fail. A formal displacement order could be issued in a matter of hours, the sources said.
One of the sources heard by the WSJ stated that the Pentagon is preparing an aircraft carrier to set sail within two weeks, probably from the east coast of the United States. The USS George HW Bush, which conducts training exercises off the coast of Virginia, could accelerate that schedule to meet White House demands.
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The new ship would join the USS Abraham Lincoln, already deployed in the region with additional support ships, defense systems and fighter squadrons.
If the movement takes place, it will be the first time in almost a year that two American aircraft carriers operate simultaneously in the Middle East – something that has not occurred since the joint presence of the USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson in 2025.
O Wall Street Journal highlights that, despite military preparation, Trump still signals a preference for a diplomatic solution.
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In a message on social media after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, the president said he insisted on continuing negotiations with Iran and that an agreement would be his preferred option.
At the same time, however, the Republican asked the Army for more “decisive” options after retreating from an attack in response to the violent crackdown on Iranian protests in January.
Neither the Navy nor spokespeople for the White House and the Pentagon officially commented on the moves, citing operational security issues or not responding to the newspaper’s requests.
