Second US aircraft carrier to deploy to Middle East: reports

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon has ordered a second aircraft carrier to deploy to the Middle East, US media reported Thursday, as President Donald Trump weighs taking military action against Iran.

Washington and Tehran began indirect talks last week over the future of Iran’s nuclear program, and Trump on Thursday warned of “very traumatic” consequences for the country if it failed to make a nuclear deal.

Late last month, Trump sent the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying warships to the Gulf as Trump ramped up threats against Iran over its deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. The vessels remain in the region.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships will join that strike group after officials ordered it to the Middle East from its current deployment in the Caribbean Sea, multiple US media outlets reported.

The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and CBS News all reported on the Pentagon’s preparations and the expected deployment of the second carrier, citing unnamed officials.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to questions from AFP.

The USS Gerald R. Ford initially deployed in June and was soon directed to the Caribbean as part of Trump’s pressure campaign on Venezuela, according to the New York Times.

US deploys aircraft carrier as Iran warns against attack

Some of the carrier’s warplanes participated in the deadly January 3 operation in Caracas that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the New York Times reported.

It was not clear how long the USS Ford or the USS Lincoln would remain in the Middle East.