The United States is moving the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group toward the Middle East, with the carrier expected to be deployed near Iran, according to a senior US military official cited by international media.
The deployment would bring the number of US aircraft carriers operating in the vicinity of Iran to three by the end of the year.
In addition, personnel from the USS Makin Island Marine Expeditionary Unit have departed the US base in San Diego for deployment to the region. More than 2,000 US Marines are included in the force.
The US military official said that by the end of November, three aircraft carriers and two landing groups would be deployed around Iran.
“Our leaders have many options available to them to deal with Iran,” the official said.
The latest deployment comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate amid the ongoing Iran war and growing concerns over global energy supplies.
US President Donald Trump has also warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reach an agreement with Washington soon.
Speaking at an event in Texas, Trump said Iran must take what he described as “appropriate and smart” action or it would not survive much longer.
Trump also accused Iran of failing to respect agreements, saying the United States honors deals it enters into while claiming that Iran does not do the same.
Meanwhile, amid growing concerns over fuel shortages linked to the conflict, Trump said on Thursday that Washington could ask European countries to release diesel from their emergency fuel reserves.
“We could ask them to do that,” Trump said.
The developments come as the US expands its military presence in the Middle East while diplomatic efforts to reach an understanding with Iran remain uncertain.
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