
A third US aircraft carrier has set sail for the Persian Gulf, accompanied by other warships and marines. The move comes as tensions between the United States and Iran remain high and could be linked to preparations for a new military escalation after the US midterm elections.
The US aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt has left the port of San Diego and is expected to arrive in the area of operations in the first half of November. According to the plan, it could replace one of the two US aircraft carriers already in the region, USS Washington and USS Bush, or significantly increase the US military presence.
The Makin Island amphibious assault group, with about 4,000 marines, is also expected to be sent to the region, joining the Boxer group. In total, the American presence in the area could exceed 50,000 troops.
These moves appear to be intended to give the White House several options if it decides to resume military operations against Iran. Among the options being mentioned are major strikes on military targets, expanding airstrikes to infrastructure, and landings to seize control of islands or strategic points. Such an intervention would face significant risks.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has sent new batteries of Patriot missile defense systems to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, aiming to strengthen the defense of American bases and installations in the region. American air defenses have been put under pressure during the recent clashes, while Iran has warned that any new attack would be followed by a strong response.
Another hot spot is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping lanes. According to data cited by the New York Times, at least 13 ships have been hit since September 10, some of them suffering significant damage.
Iran aims to maintain control of the waterway, while the US and the Gulf monarchies are trying to keep oil shipping unhindered. The clash is not only taking place at sea, but also at the level of statements and propaganda. Washington says that oil exports are continuing and that Iranian influence over Hormuz has weakened, while Tehran disputes this version and insists that it continues to have significant control over the strait.
In the background is the issue of terrorism. The US administration is pursuing investigations into a suspected incident near the Fairford base in Britain, where Iranian involvement is suspected. However, the investigation is still ongoing and some of the people initially arrested have been released.
Meanwhile, British police have arrested a British-Iranian citizen in connection with the investigation. US President Donald Trump has also linked Iran to the tragic incident of a FlyDubai flight, although so far no evidence has been made public linking the co-pilot to structures or groups close to the Iranian regime.
The increased US military presence, movements in the Persian Gulf and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz show that the situation between Washington and Tehran remains tense, while any new escalation could have consequences for security and oil markets in the region.