The USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, has left a naval base in Crete as part of a US military deployment aimed at exerting pressure on Iran. This development comes just as a new cycle of indirect negotiations has started in Geneva, focusing on Iran's nuclear program. The talks are being mediated by Oman's foreign minister, highlighting the international dimension of the discussions.

The timing of the USS Gerald Ford's departure is significant as it coincides with heightened diplomatic efforts concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions. The presence of the carrier in the Mediterranean is part of a broader strategy by the US to reinforce its military posture in the region, which has been described as a response to ongoing tensions with Tehran. The carrier had been stationed at the American naval base in Souda Bay, Crete, since earlier in the week, facilitating a flexible military response should the need arise during these sensitive negotiations.

This military maneuver by the US signals a dual approach of diplomacy and deterrence regarding Iran, as indirect talks aim to address longstanding concerns over Tehran's nuclear capabilities. As the discussions unfold, the presence of the USS Gerald Ford serves as a reminder of the potential for military action if diplomacy fails, underscoring the delicate balance of power and negotiations in the Middle East.