UK readies Prince of Wales carrier for possible Middle East deployment — Sky News
Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (photo: dvidshub.net)
UK prepares aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales for possible Middle East deployment, cutting prep time in half from ten days to just five, Sky News reports.
"The acceleration of the readiness time for HMS Prince of Wales means the giant vessel will be able to respond more rapidly if a decision is taken to mobilise," the outlet writes.
Sources say crews have also been alerted about a potential deployment in connection with the US-Israeli operation against Iran.
Sky News notes, however, that this does not mean the carrier that accommodates F-35 fighters and requires an escort of multiple ships and a submarine will immediately move to reinforce British defenses in the Persian Gulf or around Cyprus.
Instead, it gives Prime Minister Keir Starmer more flexibility to deploy the carrier quickly if necessary. The ship is currently based in Portsmouth.
US-Israeli operation against Iran, naval buildup
Since February 28, Israel and the United States have been conducting strikes against Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions and destroy its missile arsenal.
The attacks reportedly eliminated Iran's top leadership. US President Donald Trump has since called for a complete leadership change in Iran and indicated he has potential candidates in mind.
Trump has warned that no negotiated deal should be expected, emphasizing he seeks Iran's unconditional surrender, effectively removing the country's ability to conduct military operations.
He also announced that a major strike on Iran is planned for the night of March 8.
Meanwhile, Fox News reports that the United States plans to send a third carrier strike group, led by the nuclear-powered George Bush, to Iranian waters.
For the UK, Iran has reportedly attacked British military bases on Cyprus at least twice this week, prompting the cancellation of EU meetings on the island originally scheduled for March.
