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The Pentagon is preparing to deploy a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, according to a report citing three U.S. officials, as President Donald Trump weighs next steps amid ongoing negotiations with Iran.
The officials, speaking anonymously to The Wall Street Journal, said Trump has not yet formally ordered the deployment but that preparations are underway and the order could come within hours.
The report said the Pentagon is readying the strike group, likely from the U.S. East Coast, for possible deployment within two weeks.
The USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier is currently conducting training exercises off the coast of Virginia, and the exercises could be expedited, according to the officials.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the report.
The U.S. has already increased its military presence in the region and deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier from the South China Sea.
Trump said Tuesday he is considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.
On Wednesday, he met behind closed doors with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
After the meeting, Trump said no definitive decision was reached other than his insistence that negotiations with Iran continue to determine whether a deal can be reached.
“There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a deal can be consummated,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“If it can, I let the prime minister know that will be a preference,” he said.
“If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be. Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a deal, and they were hit with (Operation) Midnight Hammer—That did not work well for them. Hopefully, this time they will be more reasonable and responsible,” he added.
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