More than 20 American warships are operating across the Middle East as the Trump administration weighs restoring a blockade following renewed attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — The United States is shifting two aircraft carrier strike groups and a broader naval force toward Iran as President Donald Trump considers reinstating a blockade on Iranian ports after the collapse of a ceasefire with Tehran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush were observed entering the Gulf of Oman, placing both carrier groups closer to Iran and within the operational range of Iranian missiles. The movement is consistent with preparations for expanded naval activity near the Strait of Hormuz, including a possible renewed blockade and missions intended to protect commercial shipping.
The carrier groups are part of a force of more than 20 U.S. Navy warships currently operating throughout the Middle East.
U.S. Central Command confirmed the scale of the deployment this week, saying the vessels are “promoting regional security and stability.”
CENTCOM declined to say whether the naval movements were connected to plans to restore a blockade, citing operational security.
The ships’ closer proximity to Iran could provide the United States with greater ability to conduct military operations, escort commercial vessels and monitor maritime traffic. It also increases the exposure of American forces to Iranian missiles as tensions continue rising.
Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said naval forces generally move nearer to Iran when preparing for blockade operations or missions supporting merchant vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest military buildup follows Trump’s decision this week to terminate the U.S.-Iran ceasefire after Tehran allegedly attacked three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and Tuesday.
The Trump administration responded by revoking Iran’s waiver permitting oil sales and carrying out two days of strikes against Iranian coastal targets, according to reports.
The renewed confrontation has intensified concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Approximately one-fifth of the global oil supply passes through the narrow waterway, meaning any prolonged disruption could affect international shipping and energy markets.
The strait connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as a primary route for oil shipments from several major producers. Iranian territorial waters cover part of the shipping passage, making access through the area a central issue in the current dispute.
Despite the military escalation, diplomatic efforts are continuing.
A delegation from Qatar completed talks in Tehran on Friday as part of an effort to reduce tensions and prevent the confrontation from expanding into a broader regional conflict.
Iranian officials are also expected to travel to Oman for additional discussions centered on the Strait of Hormuz. Those talks are expected to address commercial shipping routes, including passages that run through Iranian territorial waters.
Trump has agreed to continue diplomatic engagement with Iran, although neither government has announced formal face-to-face negotiations.
The administration has said its priorities include preventing Iran from threatening international shipping and limiting Tehran’s ability to expand its military capabilities. At the same time, U.S. officials have continued to leave diplomatic channels open.
The movement of the Abraham Lincoln and George H.W. Bush carrier strike groups gives Trump additional military options as the administration evaluates whether to restore the blockade, expand operations around the strait or continue relying on limited strikes and maritime security missions.
No final decision on a renewed blockade has been announced.
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