The U.S. is preparing to deploy a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East
Washington — The United States is now actively preparing to send a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran and ongoing nuclear talks. The Pentagon has instructed a carrier strike group to “spin up” and ready for deployment, with officials saying it could sail to the region within weeks if ordered.
President Donald Trump has publicly suggested the move as part of broader military pressure on Tehran, saying the additional naval force would position the U.S. to respond if diplomatic negotiations falter.
The second carrier would join the USS Abraham Lincoln, already operating in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. Pentagon officials told reporters that formal deployment orders have not yet been signed but that preparations are underway and could quickly accelerate if the White House gives the go-ahead.
The decision reflects deepening U.S. concern over Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile development, even as indirect talks facilitated by Oman continue. Iran has indicated it wants relief from sanctions in exchange for concessions, but key issues remain unresolved, keeping the region on edge.
Separately, the head of the U.S. Navy has called for a shift toward smaller, more agile naval forces, suggesting that reliance on traditional carrier strike groups may not be ideal for future conflicts. However, the current preparation for a second carrier underscores Washington’s emphasis on projecting conventional power as a deterrent.
Analysts say if a second group is deployed, it would send a clear signal to Iran and regional actors that the U.S. is ready to escalate its military posture even as diplomatic avenues remain open.
