The United States has deployed at least 15 warships to the Middle East to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports under the directive of President Donald Trump. According to a U.S. official, the operation includes one aircraft carrier and eleven destroyers, with vessels positioned across various areas under U.S. Central Command. The deployment marks a significant escalation in U.S. naval activity in the region.

The main ships involved in the blockade and surrounding areas include the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and destroyers such as USS Bainbridge, USS Thomas Hudner, and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of USS Tripoli, USS New Orleans, and USS Rushmore, is also part of the deployment. Public tracking data from USNI News indicates that the USS Gerald R. Ford, previously engaged in operations against Iran, is currently in the eastern Mediterranean for repairs after being sent to Greece last month.

The report notes that for the Gerald R. Ford group to join the blockade, it would need to transit the Suez Canal or sail around Africa, suggesting logistical challenges for immediate reinforcement.