US to deploy second aircraft carrier to the Middle East region

US President Donald Trump confirmed that the USS Gerald R Ford will be deployed to the Middle East “very soon” as part of an ongoing buildup of military hardware in the region. The deployment comes amid increased pressure on Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Trump stated that he believes negotiations with Iran will be successful, warning that failure to make a deal would result in a “bad day for Iran.” He also expressed support for a change of government in Iran, saying it would be the “best thing that could happen.”

The deployment of the Gerald R Ford is part of a series of military actions taken by the US in recent weeks, including the arrival of the Abraham Lincoln carrier and several guided-missile destroyers. Trump’s comments were made after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.

Netanyahu had previously expressed reservations about any agreement that did not also curb Iran’s ballistic missile program. The indirect US-Iran talks were the first to be held since a 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June, which halted previous rounds of negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

The US has been seeking to replace the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a deal reached between Iran, the US, and several European powers. Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018, leading to increased tensions with Iran.

United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi had reported difficulty getting Iran to agree on inspections of sites targeted during the 12-day war. The US president’s comments confirm his earlier indication that he was considering deploying the Gerald R Ford to the region.

Source: Al Jazeera