The United States is moving another aircraft carrier strike group and thousands of Marines and sailors toward the Middle East, with the forces expected to arrive by late November as President Donald Trump considers renewed military operations against Iran, US officials said. Fox News reported that two US officials confirmed the deployment, which includes the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, accompanied by the USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
Together, the formations carry approximately 10,000 personnel, expanding Washington's military options in the region, The Media Line reported. The Theodore Roosevelt left California on September 27; according to the US Naval Institute, the carrier arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, on October 16 and departed three days later. The Makin Island group, which departed San Diego on September 28, was travelling westward through the Pacific following a stop in Hawaii.
Two American aircraft carriers, the USS George H.W. Bush and USS George Washington, are already operating in the Arabian Sea in support of US military operations. The Roosevelt's arrival could temporarily give Washington three aircraft carriers in the region, although it could also replace the George Washington as part of a planned rotation, The Media Line reported. The additional Marine expeditionary unit would provide amphibious assault capabilities, aviation support, and forces trained for rapid deployment ashore.
The buildup comes during a lull in direct fighting, but Trump has left open the possibility of renewed US strikes on Iran after the November midterm elections if no agreement is reached. Iran, for its part, told Pakistan's army chief this week there would be no talks with Washington until Tehran's demands were met, dimming hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough before the new forces arrive.