Iran on alert as Trump orders US aircraft carrier into Mediterranean
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
A modern US aircraft carrier has appeared in the Mediterranean Sea after crossing the Atlantic. The ship’s movements have sparked discussion among military analysts and observers about its possible route and mission, according to a Defense Express report.
Read also: Reuters names possible scenarios of Trump's operation against Iran
US aircraft carrier passes through Gibraltar
The latest US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, has crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean Sea. This is confirmed by photographs of the ship taken during its passage through the strait on February 20.
After crossing the Atlantic, the ship is effectively on a countdown toward a potential approach to an operational zone.
According to observers, the aircraft carrier will take about 4 days to reach the eastern Mediterranean.
Possible deployment area
This area is considered the closest point where the presence of a carrier strike group could have practical military significance.
The distance to Iranian territory exceeds 1,500 kilometers, but carrier-based aircraft can operate at such ranges with aerial refueling tankers.
In addition, the missile destroyers accompanying the carrier group could potentially participate in Israel’s missile defense system in the event of rocket launches.
Possible link-up with another group
There is also the possibility that the ship will join the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which is already deployed in the Arabian Sea.
Experts estimate that the transit to that area could take 10 to 14 days.
Extended deployment and strain on the fleet
The aircraft carrier is operating under an extremely intensive schedule. Previously, it participated in operations off the coast of Venezuela and then continued its transit almost immediately.
The ship has been at sea since June 24, 2025 — over eight months — completing its second eastbound Atlantic crossing.
Initially, it was planned that after the previous operation, the carrier would return to base for maintenance and repairs. However, plans changed due to the limited capacity to maintain simultaneous presence across multiple theaters.
Currently, the US Navy effectively has ten aircraft carriers, as USS Nimitz has completed its final deployment and is preparing for decommissioning.
Some carriers are undergoing maintenance, so only about five carriers and four strike groups can be deployed at the same time.
The UK has not yet granted the United States permission to use British military bases for potential airstrikes on Iran. According to available information, the issue remains under discussion at the allied level, and no final decision on access to the infrastructure has been made.
In Washington, various options to increase pressure on Tehran are under consideration. Scenarios under discussion include limited strikes on military infrastructure, as well as a larger-scale campaign that could have serious political consequences for Iran’s leadership.
