Overview
- CENTCOM said Thursday the USS George H.W. Bush entered the Indian Ocean under its control, creating a three‑carrier presence not seen in more than two decades.
- The three strike groups bring over 200 aircraft and about 15,000 sailors and Marines, along with multiple guided‑missile destroyers and support ships, according to CENTCOM.
- The U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports that began April 13 has redirected 34 commercial vessels so far, with forces turning ships away from Iranian destinations.
- President Trump said Thursday he ordered U.S. forces to shoot and kill any boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz as crews carry out mine‑clearing operations.
- Analysts say the added carrier increases leverage on Iran during shaky talks and raises the chance of a rapid return to strikes if negotiations fail.