USS Ford Joins Middle East Naval Force: Second Aircraft Carrier Deployment in Strategic Region

In a strategic military maneuver, the USS Gerald R. Ford has been directed to transition from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. This development comes as President Donald Trump deliberates on the possibility of military intervention against Iran amidst escalating tensions in the area, according to a confirmation from a U.S. official to Fox News.

With this redeployment, the U.S. will have two aircraft carriers and their support fleets stationed in the Middle East. The USS Abraham Lincoln, along with three guided-missile destroyers, made their entry into the region over two weeks ago, reinforcing military presence.

The USS Ford had initially embarked on its mission in June 2025 and was redirected from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean the previous fall. This move was part of the administration’s strategy to amass a formidable military force in anticipation of operations aimed at striking Venezuela and apprehending its leader, Nicolás Maduro.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is now en route to the Middle East to bolster U.S. military capabilities in the region.

In a statement issued on Thursday, President Trump cautioned Iran about the severe consequences of failing to negotiate an agreement with the U.S. over its nuclear ambitions. This warning followed indirect discussions between the two nations that took place in Oman last week.

“It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly,” he told reporters.

The move will put two aircraft carriers and their accompanying warships in the region. (Jonathan Klein/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and said he insisted to the Israeli leader that negotiations with Iran must continue.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in the Middle East more than two weeks ago. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

Netanyahu is calling on the Trump administration to push Tehran to scale back its ballistic missile program and end its support for terror groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as part of any deal.