US may send 3rd carrier near Mideast: Report

The US may send a third aircraft carrier to Europe next week, positioning it closer to the Middle East as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, CNN reported.

The move would add to the growing American naval presence in the region.

Sources and a US official told CNN the vessel is the USS Gerald R. Ford, which would deploy with its full strike group.

The carrier’s redeployment had been planned since late 2023 under US European Command.

However, it’s now expected to move to the eastern Mediterranean, closer to Israel, due to the evolving security situation, according to the sources.

Separately, another US carrier is heading toward the Middle East. It will either join or replace the USS Carl Vinson, already deployed in the region.

Earlier today, June 18, Donald Trump said the US has lost patience with Iran. He urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue military operations.

Trump also noted he hadn’t agreed to further aid for Israel during a recent call with Netanyahu. He didn’t clarify whether he meant financial, military, or both types of support.