US to send third aircraft carrier towards Iran: US official to Al Jazeera

What the report says

The United States is sending a third aircraft carrier toward waters around Iran, according to a US official cited by Al Jazeera. The reported deployment adds to an already large American military buildup in the Middle East, including Marines, F-35 fighter jets and tens of thousands of personnel, as Washington keeps pressure on Tehran while diplomatic contacts continue.

Al Jazeera reported that the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group departed San Diego on Sunday, followed a day later by the Makin Island Marine Expeditionary Force, which carries more than 2,000 Marines. By the end of November, the official said, three aircraft carriers and two amphibious landing groups are expected to be positioned around Iran. The article said the expanded force would give President Donald Trump more military options if he chooses to use them.

The report said the buildup comes alongside new sanctions on Iranian rail and automotive interests, with the US Treasury aiming to cut off remaining revenue for Tehran. At the same time, Iran has floated a seven-day proposal via Qatar that would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting nuclear talks in exchange for an end to the blockade, sanctions relief and a regional ceasefire. Trump rejected that plan, while Iranian and US officials continued to issue mixed public signals about the prospects for a deal.

Al Jazeera’s reporting also noted broader political pressure on both sides, including concern in Washington about public support for the war and debate over whether military threats are being used to strengthen bargaining leverage.