As President Donald Trump deliberates over whether to authorize military strikes against Iran, the Pentagon has reportedly directed a second U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group (CSG) to prepare for a potential deployment to the Middle East — a move that would significantly bolster American firepower in a region already bracing for possible escalation.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the carrier group has been instructed to be ready to deploy on short notice, though no final order has been issued. If activated, the second CSG would join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, which is currently operating in the region amid rising tensions with Tehran.
“The order to deploy could be issued in a matter of hours,” the Journal reported, citing anonymous U.S. officials familiar with the planning. However, the officials cautioned that no formal deployment order has yet been given and that plans remain fluid as diplomatic efforts continue.
One official told the newspaper that the Pentagon is preparing a carrier to deploy within approximately two weeks, likely from the U.S. East Coast. The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush is currently completing a series of training exercises off the coast of Virginia and could potentially accelerate its pre-deployment schedule if directed to do so.
When contacted for comment, the U.S. Navy declined to provide details, citing operational security concerns.
Even if President Trump were to authorize the deployment immediately, it would take considerable time for an East Coast-based strike group to reach the Middle East. Naval analysts note that under standard transit conditions, the journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea — and potentially through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea — would take several weeks.
With expedited preparations and high-speed transit, a carrier strike group could shorten that timeline somewhat, but it would still likely be mid-March before the vessels could arrive on station and begin sustained operations.
A carrier strike group typically consists of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, its embarked air wing of 60 to 75 aircraft, at least one guided-missile cruiser, and multiple Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers equipped with the Aegis combat system. The group is also often supported by submarines and logistics vessels.
The addition of a second CSG would represent a substantial increase in American combat capability in the region. Military observers have repeatedly pointed out that while the USS Abraham Lincoln provides significant airpower, current force levels may be insufficient for a prolonged, high-intensity air campaign against Iran’s extensive military infrastructure.
A second carrier would effectively double the Navy’s sea-based tactical aviation capacity in theater, offering additional strike fighters, electronic warfare aircraft, airborne early warning platforms, and aerial refueling assets — all critical components for sustained operations against a sophisticated adversary like Iran.
While the question of a second carrier group remains unresolved, other U.S. air assets are already on the move.
Flight tracking data indicates that six F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters from the Vermont Air National Guard (VANG) departed RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom on Wednesday morning and were likely headed to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. A second group of VANG F-35As is currently stationed at Morón Air Base in Spain and may also redeploy to Jordan in the coming days.
These fifth-generation stealth fighters would significantly enhance the United States’ ability to conduct precision strikes against heavily defended targets. Designed to penetrate advanced air defense systems, the F-35A is capable of conducting suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), intelligence collection, and deep-strike missions.
All of the Vermont-based F-35As reportedly participated in a previous high-profile operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, underscoring their recent operational experience.
The stealth fighters would join an already sizable buildup of tactical aircraft operating from land bases and at sea. Currently deployed assets in the region reportedly include F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack aircraft, and E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare jets operating from regional airfields. The USS Abraham Lincoln’s embarked air wing includes F-35C carrier-based stealth fighters, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and additional Growlers.
In addition to the Lincoln strike group, at least nine other U.S. warships are operating in the broader Middle East region, including multiple Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped with ballistic missile defense capabilities. More than 30,000 U.S. troops are stationed at bases across the Middle East, from the Persian Gulf to the Levant.
Though not publicly disclosed, U.S. Navy submarines are also widely believed to be present in the area, providing additional strike and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
The military preparations come amid intense diplomatic maneuvering. President Trump held a three-hour meeting at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who traveled to Washington seeking firm assurances regarding U.S. policy toward Iran.
Netanyahu has consistently advocated for a hard line against Tehran, urging Washington to reject any agreement that fails to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions and dismantle its extensive missile stockpile.
Following the meeting, President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that discussions with Israel had been productive but that no definitive decisions had been made.
“I have just finished meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, of Israel, and various of his Representatives,” Trump wrote. “It was a very good meeting, the tremendous relationship between our two Countries continues. There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated.”
He added that a negotiated settlement remains his preference, but left open the possibility of military action if talks fail.
“If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be,” Trump stated.
In a pointed warning, the president referenced last June’s strike on Iranian nuclear facilities — an operation he described as “Midnight Hammer.”
“Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer — That did not work well for them,” Trump wrote. “Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible…”
Even absent an immediate strike order, the mere possibility of a second carrier deployment serves as a powerful signal. The movement of high-end assets — carriers, stealth fighters, electronic warfare aircraft — sends a clear message of resolve not only to Iran but also to regional allies and adversaries.
From a strategic perspective, a two-carrier presence would provide operational redundancy and flexibility. It would allow for sustained sortie generation, continuous electronic warfare coverage, and rapid response options across multiple theaters, from the Persian Gulf to the eastern Mediterranean.
At the same time, such a buildup carries risks. Iran maintains a robust network of anti-ship missiles, ballistic missiles, and proxy forces capable of targeting U.S. bases and naval vessels. Any escalation could quickly expand beyond limited strikes into a broader regional conflict involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq and Syria, and Houthi forces in Yemen.
Energy markets are also closely watching developments. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, remains a potential flashpoint in any confrontation with Iran.
For now, President Trump appears to be balancing diplomatic engagement with visible military preparation. The reported readiness of a second carrier strike group provides him with an additional lever of pressure — a demonstration of credible force that could influence negotiations.
Whether that force is ultimately employed remains uncertain.
As tensions continue to rise and assets move into position, the coming weeks may prove decisive in determining whether the current standoff evolves into renewed diplomacy or escalates into open conflict.
Given the gravity of the situation — and the far-reaching consequences any military action would carry — Washington, Tehran, and regional capitals alike are watching closely.
