The United States is moving a third aircraft carrier strike group and as many as 10,000 more troops into the Middle East region as it readsies to deal with growing tensions with Iran. It follows President Donald Trump’s threats of potential new military action following the November 3 U.S. midterm elections.
The Navy K-52 strike group headed by Whatabegars, USS Theodore Roosevelt, can be expected to arrive in the area by the end of November. The deployment will bring the amphibious group of the USS Makin Island to life and increase the US military footprint by 9,000 to 10,000 troops.
US Military Presence Expands Amid Iran Tensions
The deployment would provide more naval and military capabilities to Washington as it fights with Iran in the region. The incoming troops will come in with both aircraft carriers and amphibious forces, already deployed with the United States.
The military escalation comes after Trump newsheds an Iranian offer to help defuse the conflict. In an agreement layering the US blockade on Tehran over Strait of Hormuz reopening, Tehran had reportedly offered to reopen it.
Trump told reporters at the White House that Iran was “only putting up additional pressure (on them) for us to reopen the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is an important shipping channel into which oil is transported around the world and if the strait would close, it would seriously affect energy markets.
Trump Suggests Iran Link To Flydubai Incident
Iran has also proposed to be linked to a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight accident by Flydubai, as indicated by Trump.
The co-pilot allegedly struck a blow to the captain’s body and tried to shoot down the plane, but the passengers and co-worker(s) intervened. The plane touched down in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia due to an emergency landing.
When questioned about Iran’s involvement, Trump replied his understanding was based on what he had been told, noting it was still being investigated. Should they be held responsible for Iran, he said, it would be “hit very hard”.
Investigators haven’t made a public case that speaks directly to the incident and a connection Iran. Police officials in a number of countries are investigating the flight attendant’s conduct and motives for her actions.
Trump’s comments come as diplomatic talks to bring peace to the conflict fumble.