Iran Threatens War Over Second U.S. Carrier's Deployment
Tehran warns that the potential deployment of a second U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, is a "definite step toward war."
Iranian media outlets aligned with the regime reported that Tehran will interpret the deployment of a second American aircraft carrier to the Middle East as a “definite step toward war”.
The statement was issued in response to reports that the Pentagon has ordered preparations for a second carrier strike group to deploy to the region.
According to the Wall Street Journal, one carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is already in the Middle East. The Pentagon has ordered the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group to prepare for rapid deployment to the region. The George H.W. Bush is currently off the coast of Virginia, conducting training exercises.
President Trump has not yet given final approval, but if he does, its schedule could be expedited, potentially allowing it to sail within two weeks once the final order is given.
Regime-linked media described the potential arrival of a second carrier as a clear escalation that would sabotage ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations.
This would be the first time in nearly a year that two U.S. aircraft carriers are simultaneously stationed in the region.