US deploys three aircraft carriers to Middle East region for extended period

US Deploys Large Military Presence in Middle East Amid Fragile Truce

The United States has deployed three aircraft carriers in the Middle East for the first time in 23 years, according to the Central Command (CENTCOM) of the US military. The deployment includes 12 accompanying ships, more than 200 aircraft, and 15,000 soldiers.

This move comes amid a fragile ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran. The last time three aircraft carriers were deployed in the region was in the lead-up to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The USS George HW Bush, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS Gerald R Ford are currently operating in the region.

The deployment signals that the US is preparing for potential conflict should the ceasefire unravel. Diplomatic talks between the US and Iran have been stalled, with Iran insisting on the lifting of the US naval blockade against its ports as a condition for resuming negotiations.

US President Donald Trump has extended the truce but announced that the naval siege would persist. Iran has responded by reblocking the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US blockade. The US military has also reported redirecting 34 vessels in the region, stating that the blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports continues.

Iran has described the blockade as an “act of war,” while Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that his country is prepared to renew the war against Iran if necessary. Trump has previously threatened to destroy Iran’s civilian infrastructure and has shown no signs of willingness to lift the siege to facilitate talks.

Source: Al Jazeera