The United States is expanding its military presence in the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Under President Donald Trump’s directive, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is being deployed to the region alongside the already stationed USS Abraham Lincoln and its guided missile destroyers in the Arabian Sea. The deployment, first reported by The New York Times, comes as the Red Sea and surrounding areas experience heightened instability.

Gulf Arab states have warned that new attacks could trigger a wider conflict, especially as the region still reels from the recent Israel-Hamas fighting in Gaza. President Trump recently cautioned Iran that failure to reach a new nuclear deal would have “very painful” consequences. Following indirect talks in Oman, he said a deal is sought within a month and discussed Iran’s missile program and its support for Hamas and Hezbollah with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran faces both domestic and international crises, including deadly protests last month and ongoing sanctions. The USS Ford’s crew, at sea since June 2025, may see their deployment extended, though the White House has not commented.