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According to Western media reports, US President Donald Trump, while considering his decision on military operations against Iran, has ordered the preparation of a second aircraft carrier strike group (ACSG) to be sent to the Middle East.
Elchi.az reports with reference to foreign media that the official order is currently awaited, and the decision may be made or canceled within the next 24 hours.
Sources in the Pentagon say that the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier is being prepared to reinforce existing forces. The ship is currently completing training on the east coast of the United States. Combat readiness will take approximately two weeks, and the transit from the United States to the Persian Gulf will take about the same amount of time. If the order is given today, the second ACSG may reach the region by mid-March.
There are currently at least nine ships and possibly one or more submarines in the region. More than 30,000 troops are involved in the overall US force grouping against Iran. Also, tactical and special-purpose aircraft continue to arrive at air bases. An additional aircraft carrier, with 90 aircraft and helicopters on board, as well as escort ships, will significantly strengthen the existing grouping, and this grouping is preparing for a potential attack against Iran.
However, no decision has yet been made regarding the attack. At a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House yesterday, Netanyahu tried to persuade Trump not to agree to terms that do not provide for Iran being completely deprived of nuclear and missile weapons. President Trump, in a statement, noted that he is still trying to resolve the conflict through negotiations, but in case of failure, he will carry out military operations.
Regardless of what decision Donald Trump makes, the rumors about sending a second aircraft carrier play the role of a tool of pressure on Iran by the United States. The current situation is still assessed as dangerous and tense.