Open source monitors as well as US and Middle East media have confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford, theworld’s largest aircraft carrier, has entered the Mediterranean Sea, having sailed passed the Strait of Gibraltar on Friday.
This is the second carrier strike group expected to soon operate directly in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, amid the massive military build-up and pressure campaign against Iran. It was sent from the Caribbean earlier this month, extending its planned deployment.
The USS Mahan Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, which is accompanying the USS Gerald R. Ford, is also now crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, maritime tracking analysis shows.
The aircraft carrier will likely take several more days to reach the Middle East and be poised to operate against Iran - so it looks to bein place by start of next week.
According toBloombergand other outlets, theUS has now amassed the biggest force in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. There is administration talk of"limited strikes"- but clearly Washington is getting ready for all escalation scenarios.
The Ford's entry into Mediterranean waters took longer than expected because it was reportedlyconducting replenishment-at-sea, again suggesting the nuclear-powered vessel is readying for a long, or sustained campaign.
Diplomacy seems to be continuing, but also with Trump himself on Friday confirming that he's considering 'limited' strikes on Iran in order to force an Iran deal onWashington's terms:
The reports come after Trump publicly told Iran that it has “10 to 15 days” to cut a deal over its nuclear program, as the US continues its vast military build up in the region.
“We’re either going to get a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,”Trump told reporters on board Air Force One yesterday. He added that negotiations could be allowed to continue for another 10 to 15 days, a deadline the president described as “pretty much” the “maximum”.
“I would think that would be enough time,”Trump said.
Source: ZeroHedge News
