Trump Mobilizes USS Gerald R Ford for Middle East Deployment in Iran Nuclear Standoff

President Trump has mobilized the USS Gerald R Ford for Middle East deployment in the ongoing Iran nuclear standoff. The carrier’s approximately three-week journey from Caribbean waters will bring it alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln, substantially increasing American military capabilities in the region as negotiations with Tehran continue without clear resolution.
The decision came after Trump’s coordination meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Washington, where leaders discussed requirements for Iran agreements. Netanyahu has emphasized that Israel needs comprehensive deals addressing ballistic missile capabilities and proxy support alongside nuclear enrichment, not limited agreements focused solely on nuclear issues.
Iranian representatives have demonstrated conditional flexibility on nuclear enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief that could provide significant economic benefits. However, Tehran has firmly rejected demands regarding ballistic missile programs and regional relationships, arguing these represent sovereign national security interests that cannot be subjected to external constraint.
The USS Gerald R Ford’s deployment since June 2025 includes Mediterranean operations followed by Caribbean assignment where the carrier proved instrumental in the January Maduro seizure operation. The Middle East redeployment extends an already lengthy mission with crew members facing indefinite continuation away from home ports.
Trump delivered increasingly forceful messages to Iranian leadership throughout the week. Thursday brought warnings that negotiation failure would be “very traumatic” for Tehran while suggesting agreement within approximately one month. Friday’s Fort Bragg remarks indicated that regime change in Iran might ultimately be preferable to continued negotiations after what Trump described as 47 years of unsuccessful diplomatic engagement.