US Deploys Second Aircraft Carrier Strike Group to West Asia Amid Tensions with Iran

Kathmandu. The United States is deploying its second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and its escort ships from the Caribbean to West Asia, the New York Times reported on Friday.

The deployment comes amid ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran's nuclear program, according to reports. The US is currently increasing pressure on Iran to reach an agreement regarding its nuclear activities.

The New York Times cited four anonymous US officials who confirmed the deployment. The new orders for the USS Ford strike group will see it join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Persian Gulf.

The USS Lincoln aircraft carrier missile arrived in West Asia more than two weeks ago. US news reported that the USS Ford's fighter jets participated in the attack in Caracas on January-3 and captured President Nicolas Maduro.

Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump mentioned that the deal failed because Iran launched a 'Midnight Hammer' strike, expressing hope that Tehran would act responsibly this time.

On June-21, 2025, under "Operation Midnight Hammer," the United States reportedly attacked Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting three major sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Iran, meanwhile, has demanded action, stating that the US has openly violated international law and the UN Charter. Iranian official Ali Larijani told Al Jazeera that indirect talks with Washington are ongoing in Oman and that no proposal has yet been received from the United States.

Iranian media reported that Larijani described Washington's entry into the negotiation process as a sign of moving towards a "rational path," concluding that the US must adopt an approach different from military options towards Iran.

Furthermore, he rejected discussions of "zero enrichment," stating that Iran requires enrichment for energy and medicine production. He warned that if the United States attacks, it will target its military bases, according to the IRNA news agency.