Update: USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, accompanying warships are deploying to Middle East: WSJ

Xinhua
01 Apr 2026, 03:15 GMT+10

WASHINGTON, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its accompanying warships are deploying to the Middle East, a move that could increase the number of U.S. aircraft carriers to three in the region for the foreseeable future, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Tuesday, citing U.S. officials.

The aircraft carrier departed Naval Station Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia on Tuesday, according to a U.S. Navy press release.

It could take the carrier weeks to reach the Middle East region, said the WSJ report. The carrier is expected to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups in the Middle East.

The Lincoln is operating in the Arabian Sea, and the Ford is at port in Croatia for repairs, two of the officials were quoted as saying.

The deployment comes as Washington weighs further military options in Iran, and as more U.S. forces flow into the region, said the report, noting that a Marine expeditionary unit embarked on amphibious warships entered Middle Eastern waters over the weekend.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump has told aides that he's willing to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, the WSJ reported Monday, also citing U.S. administration officials.

Trump and his aides recently assessed that a mission to pry open the strait would push the war with Iran beyond his timeline of four to six weeks, said the report.

The United States and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, disrupting global shipping, sending oil prices soaring and shaking the global economy.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Illinois Intelligencer.

More Information

North America

Section

NATO without America A slow shift is already underway

Donald Trumps foreign policy is not a temporary deviation, but a sign of what is to come US President Donald Trump's approach to...

ATP roundup: Sebastian Baez returns to Bucharest with stylish win

(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images) No. 5 seed Sebastian Baez of Argentina kicked off his stay at the Tiriac Open with...

Update: USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, accompanying warships are deploying to Middle East: WSJ

WASHINGTON, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its accompanying warships are deploying...

"As a host, India has to bring all parties together, herculean task for diplomacy": Expert ahead of BRICS 2026

New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): As India prepares to assume the BRICS Chair in 2026, its position on the ongoing West Asia conflict...

US leaders choosing "Israel First" while families skip meals for fuel: Iranian Parliament Speaker Qalibaf

Tehran [Iran], April 1 (ANI): Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has hit out at Washington's foreign policy after a...

"Collateral damage in the war": Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev on US strike at Mashhad Airport

New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev has weighed in on the recent US airstrike at Mashhad Airport...

International

Section