President Trump has authorized the USS Gerald R Ford to transit from Caribbean waters to the Middle East as part of a coordinated pressure strategy targeting Iran during nuclear negotiations. The deployment will position the Ford alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln after approximately three weeks, substantially enhancing American military options in the region.
The decision followed Trump’s coordination meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Washington, where both leaders discussed requirements for acceptable Iran agreements. Netanyahu has emphasized that Israel needs comprehensive deals addressing Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and proxy support alongside nuclear enrichment, not limited agreements focused solely on nuclear issues.
Iranian negotiators have demonstrated conditional flexibility on nuclear enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief that could provide economic benefits. However, Tehran has firmly rejected demands regarding ballistic missile programs and regional proxy relationships, viewing such requirements as infringements on sovereignty and legitimate defense capabilities.
The USS Gerald R Ford has been continuously operating since June 2025, first in Mediterranean waters before Caribbean reassignment where the carrier proved instrumental in the January Maduro seizure. The Middle East redeployment extends an already lengthy mission with crew members facing indefinite continuation away from home ports.
Trump escalated messaging toward Iran as the week progressed, warning Thursday that negotiation failure would be “very traumatic” while expressing optimism for agreement within roughly one month. Friday’s Fort Bragg appearance saw Trump suggest that regime change in Iran might ultimately be preferable to continued negotiations after nearly half a century of diplomatic engagement.
