Donald Trump has sent the USS Gerald R Ford on an extended Middle East mission against Iran, adding to what has already been an exceptionally lengthy deployment for the carrier. The approximately three-week journey from Caribbean waters will bring the Ford alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln, creating unprecedented American naval capability as negotiations with Tehran continue.
The deployment timing demonstrates Trump’s strategy of supporting diplomatic efforts with credible military options following coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Israel has articulated clear requirements that acceptable agreements must restrict Iran’s ballistic missile development and curtail proxy support in addition to nuclear enrichment limitations.
Iran has demonstrated conditional willingness to discuss nuclear enrichment restrictions in exchange for economic sanctions relief. However, Tehran has firmly resisted demands regarding ballistic missile programs and regional proxy relationships, viewing such requirements as violations of sovereignty and unacceptable limitations on defense capabilities.
The USS Gerald R Ford’s deployment began in June 2025 with Mediterranean operations before Caribbean reassignment in November where it played a pivotal role in the dramatic Maduro seizure. The Middle East redeployment means crew members will continue extended time away from home ports with no confirmed return date.
Trump delivered escalating warnings to Iranian leadership as the week progressed. Thursday brought characterizations of negotiation failure as potentially “very traumatic” for Tehran while expressing confidence in reaching agreement within approximately one month. Friday’s Fort Bragg appearance saw Trump suggest that fundamental political change in Iran might be optimal.