Military sources have confirmed that at least one U.S. aircraft carrier is being redeployed toward the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran.
It remains unclear if the carrier in question is the USS Abraham Lincoln (currently operating in the South China Sea) or one of two carriers that left Norfolk and San Diego earlier this week. The journey to the region is estimated to take a minimum of one week.
Sources stated that U.S. military assets across air, land, and sea are set to arrive in the region over the next days and weeks. This will give the president a range of military options if he chooses to launch strikes against Iran.
Officials have characterized these movements as part of a process of “setting the force.”
A highly placed source noted that if the president opts for military action, “This will be different, more offensive.” The source added that U.S. military planners are developing a variety of options, which will hinge on Iran’s regime’s actions in the coming days.
U.S. officials have confirmed to that approximately 30,000 U.S. troops are currently assigned to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) region. At present, no U.S. aircraft carriers or carrier strike groups are operating within CENTCOM’s area of responsibility.
The current U.S. naval presence in the region consists of three destroyers and three Littoral Combat Ships. Officials noted that three U.S. aircraft carriers are currently deployed elsewhere: the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan; the USS Abraham Lincoln in the INDOPACOM area; and the USS Gerald R. Ford in the SOUTHCOM area.
Two additional carriers near Norfolk and San Diego are not actively deployed.
Sources also indicated that missile defense systems are expected to be sent to the region to bolster the defense of U.S. bases and Israel. These systems will include missile defense assets.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to Digital’s request for comment.