Donald Trump has ordered the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier to transit from the Caribbean to the Middle East for what appears to be a final push in Iran negotiations. The deployment will position the world’s largest carrier alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln after approximately three weeks, creating unprecedented American naval power projection as diplomatic discussions reach critical junctures.
The deployment timing follows Trump’s Washington meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, during which both leaders discussed expectations for Iran agreements. Netanyahu has maintained that Israel requires comprehensive deals addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program and proxy group support alongside nuclear enrichment, not limited agreements focused solely on nuclear issues.
Iran has demonstrated willingness to discuss nuclear enrichment limitations, particularly if agreements result in sanctions relief that could revitalize the economy. 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 legitimate national defense capabilities.
The USS Gerald R Ford’s deployment history since June 2025 includes Mediterranean operations followed by Caribbean assignment where the carrier played a pivotal role in January’s Maduro seizure operation. The Middle East redeployment extends an already lengthy mission with crew members facing continued separation from home ports as Trump pursues Iran negotiations.
Trump escalated rhetoric toward Iran throughout the week, warning Thursday that negotiation failure would prove “very traumatic” while expressing optimism for rapid agreement within approximately one month. Friday’s Fort Bragg remarks went further, suggesting that regime change in Tehran might be preferable to extended negotiations after nearly half a century of diplomatic efforts that Trump argued achieved limited results.