Second US aircraft carrier heads to Middle East amid tensions

• Second aircraft carrier in the Middle East: The Pentagon has confirmed that alongside the USS Harry S. Truman, the Carl Vinson, presently in the Indo-Pacific area, will also be deployed. The objective is to protect trade routes and promote stability in the region.
• Strengthening air forces: US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has announced the deployment of additional combat aircraft to bolster American military resources in the Middle East.
• 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 locations like Yemen or Iran.

The United States has decided to deploy a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, enhancing its military presence in the area. 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 spokesman Sean Parnell in a statement quoted by AFP. This move responds to escalating tensions and the imperative to safeguard vital trade routes.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has announced further strengthening of air forces in the Middle East. Secretary Hegseth has made it clear that if Iran or its proxies threaten American personnel and interests in the region, the United States will take decisive actions to protect its nation, stated Parnell, as quoted by Reuters. Under these plans, at least four B-2 bombers have been stationed at Diego Garcia.

The B-2 bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, are a strategic asset of the American air force. The US Air Force operates 20 such aircraft.

In October of last year, the administration of former President Joe Biden utilised these bombers in a campaign against the Houthis in Yemen.