US Reinforces Forces in Middle East with Third Aircraft Carrier and Up to 10,000 Troops
- Amid prospects of resuming military operations against Iran after the U.S. midterm elections
The U.S. military has begun bolstering its presence in the Middle East by deploying a third aircraft carrier group, amphibious ships, and thousands of troops to the region, as President Donald Trump weighs his options regarding Iran and keeps the possibility of escalating strikes on the country on the table.
The Associated Press, citing a U.S. official, reported that the U.S. military is sending approximately 9,000 personnel aboard a group of ships heading to the Middle East, including more than 7,000 sailors and 2,000 Marines.
The force includes the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, accompanied by the cruiser USS Chosin, and the amphibious readiness group USS Makin Island, which comprises the amphibious assault ships USS John P. Murtha and USS Anchorage.
The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reported that the reinforcements could add between 9,000 and 10,000 troops to U.S. forces in the region, with the deployment of the Theodore Roosevelt group and additional Marine Corps ships.
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Reuters, citing the Wall Street Journal report, stated that the United States is sending a third aircraft carrier and up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East, as Trump considers resuming strikes on Iran following the U.S. midterm elections in November.
According to the Associated Press, the arrival of the Theodore Roosevelt could result in three U.S. aircraft carriers operating in the region by the end of October, alongside the USS George H.W. Bush and the USS George Washington, if they remain in the area.
The reinforcements would raise the size of the U.S. naval presence in the Middle East to more than 20,000 sailors and Marines, along with hundreds of aircraft, according to the Associated Press.
Trump had previously stated that escalating bombing against Iran after the midterm elections scheduled for November 3 is “possible,” while not announcing a final decision to resume strikes.
