US Deploys Third Aircraft Carrier and 9,000 to 10,000 More Troops Near Iran, Reports Say

A US official told Al Jazeera that the United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, near Iran, as the conflict with Iran enters its eighth month. Al Jazeera reported that both sides are considering escalation or diplomatic solutions. According to Al Jazeera, the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group left its San Diego base on Sunday, and the Makin Island Marine Expeditionary Unit, carrying more than 2,000 Marines, began its journey the following day.

The Wall Street Journal, as cited by Al Jazeera, reported that the deployment could involve an additional 9,000 to 10,000 US troops. The US official said that by the end of November, three aircraft carriers and two amphibious landing groups will be stationed near Iran. Al Jazeera reported that the new deployment includes F-35 fighter jets and would raise the number of US service members in the region to about 50,000. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that forces are prepared to act if ordered by President Trump.

A separate report from udn.com, citing US officials and informed sources quoted by the New York Times, said the US and Israeli militaries have reportedly re-established plans to attack Iran after the November 3 mid-elections. According to that report, US Defense Minister Hercecebs discussed these plans with Israeli Prime Minister Nathan Ahul during a recent visit to Israel. The udn.com report described the renewed strategy as involving intensified air strikes and potential operations against Iran’s energy infrastructure, strategic locations, and missile and drone arsenals. The names in this report are given as they appear in the source.

The udn.com report also said that aircraft and tankers reportedly conducted long-range missions across Syria and Iraq on the night of the 19th and 20th, aimed at areas near the Iranian border. It said US President Trunchton has not yet approved a specific date for the operation and had previously rejected large-scale military actions, including a planned strike on the eve of October. According to the report, plans call for deploying three ships, thousands of Marines, aircraft and special forces by early November.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araki, quoted by udn.com, warned on media X on the 21st day that war over diplomacy would lead to a greater strategic failure. The report did not give a month for this statement. Its reporting on the timing of the planned operation differs in emphasis from Al Jazeera’s account: Al Jazeera described forces ready to act on orders, while udn.com described plans that had been reactivated but not yet dated. Al Jazeera’s figures for additional troops also differ from udn.com’s general reference to thousands of Marines.

Officials quoted by udn.com warned that a renewed attack could push Iran’s economy to the brink, which invites a sober reminder that avoiding escalation is part of pursuing peace (Matthew 5:9). Others, the report said, cautioned that targeting oil infrastructure could further increase global gasoline prices.