A third U.S. aircraft carrier, along with its escorting warships, arrived in waters near Iran on Thursday, officials said, significantly boosting the military options available to Donald Trump as he intensifies pressure on Tehran to abandon its nuclear program, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and end a weeks-long conflict that has destabilized the region.
The arrival of the USS George H.W. Bush strike group bringing thousands of additional U.S. personnel and dozens of advanced fighter jets was confirmed by U.S.
Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East. Its deployment had been closely monitored as a potential signal amid slow-moving peace talks between Washington and Tehran.
The carrier had been sailing off Africa’s eastern coast and was in the Indian Ocean as of Thursday, according to Central Command. Meanwhile, more than 4,000 U.S. troops with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to reach the region in the coming weeks.
It remains unclear what specific role the Bush will be assigned. Although Trump said earlier this week he would extend a fragile ceasefire with Iran, he has voiced frustration with Tehran’s refusal to meet U.S. demands and has indicated he is open to resuming military strikes.