According to the Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon has reportedly ordered a second Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to prepare for deployment to the Middle East, where it would join the USS LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, already operating in the area for some time. The WSJ further reports that this second CSG would deploy from the US East Coast and could reach the Middle East within 2 weeks.

Although no specific unit has been officially identified, the most likely candidate would be the USS BUSH and its Carrier Strike Group, currently completing a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Virginia in preparation for a future deployment, and therefore potentially available in the coming weeks. Alternatively, the USS FORD CSG, presently in the Caribbean Sea, could be tasked; however, given that it has been engaged in operations since June last year, this option appears unlikely. Another possibility would be the deployment of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, based in Japan, though this would leave the Indo-Pacific theatre comparatively uncovered.

The report follows the recent closed-door meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, after which the US President stated that talks with Iran were ongoing and expressed hope for reaching an agreement with Tehran.

The prevailing impression, however, is that both sides are buying time ahead of a potential decisive confrontation. Washington needs to further reinforce its military posture in the region, a necessity compounded by the reluctance of certain Arab allies to grant the use of their bases and airspace in the event of a conflict. This is precisely why a second Carrier Strike Group would be required—particularly if a potential war were not to be short-lived.

For its part, Tehran is reportedly intensifying efforts to disperse its military assets as widely and deeply as possible, aware that, following the War of the 12 Days, a credible integrated air and missile defence shield no longer exists.

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