WASHINGTON (AP) - The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has been ordered to leave the Caribbean Sea and head towards the Middle East. This move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump considers the possibility of military action against Iran, according to sources familiar with the plans shared on Thursday.
The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, which was first reported by The New York Times, will place two aircraft carriers along with their accompanying warships in the region. This action is part of Trump’s strategy to increase pressure on Iran in pursuit of a deal regarding its nuclear program. The details of the military movements were discussed by an anonymous source, emphasizing the sensitivity of such deployments.
Additionally, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, along with three guided-missile destroyers, had already arrived in the Middle East more than two weeks prior. The rapid turnaround for the USS Ford is noteworthy; it was previously sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October as part of a larger military buildup leading to a surprise raid that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
This latest deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford seems to contradict Trump’s national security strategy, which prioritizes the Western Hemisphere over other regions. On Thursday, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that failing to reach a deal with his administration would have serious consequences. He indicated that indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran took place in Oman last week, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts.
When asked about the timeline for reaching an agreement with Iran, Trump expressed confidence, saying, “I guess over the next month, something like that... It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly.” Earlier in the week, he had mentioned considering the deployment of a second carrier strike group to the Middle East.
In meetings held on Wednesday, Trump engaged in extensive discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During these talks, he emphasized to Netanyahu the importance of continuing negotiations with Iran. Netanyahu has urged the U.S. administration to press Tehran to limit its ballistic missile program and to cease its support for militant groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah, as part of any potential agreement.
The USS Gerald R. Ford began its deployment in late June 2025, which means that the crew will have been on deployment for approximately eight months by the time of this new assignment. While the duration of the ship’s stay in the Middle East remains uncertain, the decision to deploy sets the crew up for an unusually extended mission.
The White House has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the deployment and its implications for U.S. foreign policy and military strategy in the region.
