The United States is expanding its military presence in the Middle East by deploying a third aircraft carrier strike group to the region. The move comes as US President Donald Trump is again threatening intensified military action against Iran ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections.
The Pentagon’s decision to deploy the additional military force was reported Friday, October 2, by *The Guardian*, citing US defense officials.
The new US deployment includes the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, along with two amphibious landing ships. Together, the forces include more than 7,000 sailors and about 2,000 Marines.
A US Defense Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Middle East could have three US aircraft carrier strike groups operating simultaneously by late October. Once the new forces arrive, the total number of US sailors and Marines in the region is expected to exceed 20,000, representing the largest American military presence in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The United States currently has two carrier strike groups—the USS George H.W. Bush and USS George Washington—deployed in the region, along with the USS Boxer amphibious group.
Meanwhile, in an interview with *TIME* magazine, President Donald Trump said the United States could intensify bombing and military operations against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections. Although he did not specify a location, citing strategic security concerns, he confirmed that such action was under consideration.
Trump also said he had rejected a recent ceasefire proposal from Iran. He said offers from Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz were not sufficient.
Asked whether the unpopular conflict could hurt the Republican Party in the midterm elections, Trump said there could initially be such a risk, but argued that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons could ultimately have a positive impact on the election results.
