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Amid tensions with Iran, US sends world’s largest aircraft carrier to Middle East: Report
The carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its escorting ships were sent to the Middle East and are not expected to be back before late April or early May.
Amid escalating tensions with Iran, the United States has reportedly ordered the world’s largest aircraft carrier to be sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, while President Donald Trump weighs military action against Iran as talks continue between Washington and Tehran.
The carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its escorting ships were sent to the Middle East and are not expected to be back before late April or early May, The New York Times reported citing US officials.
USS Ford sent to Middle East
The world’s largest aircraft carrier will join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and three guided-missile destroyers.
Notably, the USS Gerald R. Ford was sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last October while the Trump administration was increasing military presence in the buildup to the raid last month that led to the capture and ouster of then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Earlier this week, Trump had told Axios that he was considering sending a second carrier strike group to the Middle East.
Trump’s ‘Midnight Hammer’ warning
Trump issued a warning to Iran after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.
He said that Tehran previously chose not to reach a deal and was then struck by ‘Midnight Hammer’, and added that he hoped Iran would act in a more reasonable and responsible way this time.
“If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be. Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer — That did not work well for them. Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible. Additionally, we discussed the tremendous progress being made in Gaza, and the Region in general. There is truly PEACE in the Middle East. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
