US to boosts military presence in the Middle East with second aircraft carrier

2026-02-13 - 19:56

Shafaq News- Washington The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group will deploy will join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, increasing US military presence in the region amid ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, US President Donald Trump said on Friday. Trump told journalists that the United States would need the carrier in case of no deal, noting, "If we need it, we'll have it ready, a very big force." The move follows Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on January 11, where he reaffirmed his intention to continue pursuing an agreement with Tehran. Later, Trump indicated that negotiations could extend “as long as a month,” while expressing hope for a quicker resolution. Washington and Tehran remain locked in high-stakes diplomacy after a round of indirect talks in Oman on February 6, described by both sides as a “good start” despite deep disagreements. The discussions, mediated by Muscat, exposed sharp divisions over the scope of a potential deal, with Iran insisting negotiations remain strictly limited to the nuclear file and rejecting any limits on its missile program, while the Trump administration pushes for broader concessions, including zero uranium enrichment and scrutiny of Tehran’s regional activities. Read more: US-Iran Muscat talks: A diplomatic opening shadowed by redlines