Second US aircraft carrier ordered to Middle East amid Iran tensions, AP says

In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the USS Gerald R. Ford embarked on the first of its sea trials to test various state-of-the-art systems on its own power for the first time, April 8, 2017, from Newport News, Va. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni/U.S. Navy via AP

Washington, February 13, 2026 (AP) – The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, a U.S. official familiar with the plans said Thursday, marking the deployment of a second American carrier strike group to the region.

The move will place two U.S. aircraft carriers and accompanying warships alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln, which arrived in the Middle East more than two weeks ago with three guided‑missile destroyers.

The deployment follows heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program and came as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs possible military action if negotiations fail. Trump has warned Iran that failure to reach an accord would have “very traumatic” consequences and has repeatedly pushed for expanded talks.

Trump has also held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the situation, urging continued diplomacy while stressing pressure on Tehran to curb its ballistic missile program and support for militant groups.

The White House did not immediately comment on the carrier movement.