Overview
- U.S. officials ordered the Ford to redeploy from the Caribbean to the Middle East, where it is expected to arrive in the coming weeks to join the Lincoln already under Central Command.
- President Trump said the second carrier is being sent "in case we don’t make a deal" on Iran’s nuclear program and suggested a change in Tehran’s leadership would be preferable, while still voicing a preference for an agreement.
- A dual-carrier posture substantially expands U.S. options, with more than 150 advanced aircraft, hundreds of Tomahawk missiles, and layered air and missile defenses enabling sustained operations without regional overflight rights.
- Reports indicate additional U.S. warships, including Tomahawk-equipped guided-missile destroyers and littoral combat ships, are moving into the region as talks move from Oman to a planned round in Geneva.
- Navy leaders have warned of strain from extending the Ford’s deployment, which began in June 2025, and analysts note it could approach or exceed post–Cold War records if it remains at sea into late spring.