US President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran amid rising tensions over its nuclear program.
Speaking at a military base in North Carolina prior to the deployment, President Trump stated that the US still seeks a deal with Iran and hopes negotiations will succeed. However, he warned that if talks fail, the consequences for Iran would be severe.
Trump further suggested that a change in leadership in Iran would be “the best possible outcome,” criticizing Tehran’s decades-long negotiation tactics. He said the deployment of a second aircraft carrier is necessary should Iran refuse to comply with nuclear agreement requirements.
According to international media reports, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, will sail from the Caribbean to join the already deployed US naval assets in the region, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided missile destroyers, which have been stationed in the Middle East for the past two weeks.
The announcement came following President Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the close coordination between Washington and Jerusalem on Iran policy.
Meanwhile, Gulf Arab states have warned that any potential military action could trigger a large-scale conflict in the region, raising concerns about regional stability and security.
