US sends world’s largest aircraft carrier to Middle East amid tensions with Iran

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, the world’s largest, has been ordered to leave the Caribbean Sea for the Middle East, a source familiar with the plans said Thursday.

The mobilization of this ship, first reported by The New York Timeswill join another aircraft carrier already deployed in the region and other warships accompanying them, while Trump increases pressure on Tehran to reach an agreement on its nuclear program. The source spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the military moves.

Washington and Tehran held indirect talks last week on the future of Iran’s nuclear program, but Trump warned Thursday of “very traumatic consequences” for the Islamic Republic if a deal is not reached.

In January, the Republican magnate had already arranged to send the first aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Gulf region, where it remains as a pressure mechanism against Iran.

The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times y CBS News reported on Defense Department preparations for the planned deployment of a second such vessel, citing unnamed officials.

According to the press, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford and its escort ships will join the group in the Middle East after receiving orders to leave its position in the Caribbean Sea.

In those waters it served as support for the operation with which Maduro was overthrown in Venezuela on January 3.

Some of its fighter planes participated in the bombings launched on Caracas that allowed the capture of the Chavista leader and his wife, who were transferred to New York to be tried on drug trafficking charges.

The US president warned Iran on Thursday that failing to reach an agreement with the White House would be “very traumatic.” Tehran and Washington held indirect talks in Oman last week.

“I guess within the next month or so,” Trump said in response to a question about his timeline for reaching an agreement with the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program. “It should happen quickly. They should accept very quickly.”

Trump had long talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuon Wednesday and stated that he insisted that negotiations with Iran must continue.

Netanyahu is urging the White House to pressure Tehran to reduce its ballistic missile program and withdraw its support for insurgent groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as part of any deal.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to press questions about the aircraft carrier move.