The United States is moving another aircraft carrier strike group and thousands of Marines and sailors toward the Middle East, with the forces expected to arrive by late November as President Donald Trump considers renewed military operations against Iran, US officials said.
The deployment includes the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, accompanied by the USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. Together, the formations carry approximately 10,000 personnel, expanding Washington’s military options in the region.
Two US officials confirmed the anticipated arrival timetable to Fox News on Tuesday. The deployments were first reported earlier this month, following the ships’ departures from San Diego in late September.
The Theodore Roosevelt left California on September 27. According to the US Naval Institute, the carrier arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, on October 16 and departed three days later.
The Makin Island group, which departed San Diego on September 28, was traveling westward through the Pacific following a stop in Hawaii.
Two American aircraft carriers, the USS George H.W. Bush and USS George Washington, are already operating in the Arabian Sea in support of US military operations.
The Roosevelt’s arrival could temporarily give Washington three aircraft carriers in the region, although it could also replace the George Washington as part of a planned rotation.
The additional Marine expeditionary unit would provide amphibious assault capabilities, aviation support, and forces trained for rapid deployment ashore.
The movements come as President Trump weighs further action against Iran following the November 3 US midterm elections. Washington and Tehran remain divided over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to end the regional conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes in February.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in southern Israel on Monday to discuss regional security threats, including Iran.
No decision to resume large-scale attacks against Iran has been announced.