The Pentagon has announced plans to send its largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East, as reported by U.S. officials to Reuters. This move comes amid increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, with the Gerald R. Ford previously involved in military operations in the Caribbean earlier this year. If confirmed, this decision will bring the total number of aircraft carriers in the region to two, further intensifying the military presence in response to the regional threats.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to take at least a week to reach the Middle East and will join the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been operational for training for nearly two weeks. Notably, an F-35 fighter jet from the Abraham Lincoln has already engaged and downed an Iranian drone. The situation represents a significant escalation in military readiness, as several guided-missile destroyers, jets, and surveillance aircraft have been dispatched to the region in recent weeks, underscoring U.S. commitments to counter Iranian aggression.

President Trump has been consolidating military resources in the area as part of a broader strategy to confront Iran. This buildup may signal a preemptive measure to deter potential threats or actions from Iran, suggesting that the U.S. is prepared to act decisively in defending its interests and allies in the Middle East. The implications of this military posture could destabilize the region further, heightening the overall tension between the U.S. and Iran in a complex geopolitical environment.