US deploys third carrier toward Middle East

The United States has sent the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island amphibious group from California toward the Middle East. The movement could place a third US carrier group in the region as President Donald Trump weighs resuming strikes on Iran after the midterm elections. It remains unclear whether Roosevelt will replace an existing carrier.

• 9,000 troopsAboard seven ships heading regionward — Estimates vary across reports
• 3 carrier groupsPotential US total in the region — Depends on existing deployments
• 50,000 troopsAlready deployed across the region — Before the new deployment

Q1

Which forces are moving?

The Roosevelt left San Diego with destroyers, while the Makin Island group is carrying a Marine expeditionary unit.

Q2

Why is the buildup occurring?

Trump rejected Iran's ceasefire proposal and indicated that strikes could resume after the midterms if no agreement is reached.

Q3

What is at stake for shipping?

Iran's proposal linked reopening the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear talks to lifting a US blockade of Iranian ports.

Q4

Will all three carriers remain?

No decision has been made on whether Roosevelt replaces an existing carrier; George Washington could return to Japan.