US bolsters Middle East presence with second carrier deployment

• Second aircraft carrier in the Middle East: The Pentagon announced that alongside the USS Harry S. Truman, the Carl Vinson, currently stationed in the Indo-Pacific region, will be joining the mission. The goal is to safeguard trade routes and enhance stability in the area.
• Strengthening air forces: US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of additional combat aircraft to the Middle East to bolster American military presence.
• Relocation of B-2 bombers: At least four B-2 bombers have been relocated to a military base on Diego Garcia, ensuring quick access to Yemen or Iran.

The United States has opted to deploy a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to strengthen its military presence in the region. The Carl Vinson will join the Harry S. Truman in the Middle East "to continue promoting regional stability, deter aggression, and protect the free flow of commerce in the region," stated Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell in a statement quoted by AFP. This decision addresses increasing tensions and the need to safeguard key trade routes.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth announced the further bolstering of air forces in the Middle East. Secretary Hegseth made it clear that if Iran or its proxies threaten American personnel and interests in the region, the United States will take decisive action to defend the nation, stated Parnell as quoted by Reuters. As part of these measures, at least four B-2 bombers have been relocated to the base on Diego Garcia.

The B-2 bombers, capable of delivering nuclear weapons, are a strategic asset for the American air force. The US Air Force possesses 20 of these aircraft.

Last October, the administration of former President Joe Biden deployed these bombers in operations against the Houthis in Yemen.