Trump’s next move on Iran? Pentagon Weighs Shipping, 10,000 Troops, Marines in Gulf, Report Says | Today’s news
The Pentagon may soon deploy another aircraft carrier along with up to 10,000 sailors and marines to the Persian Gulf, giving US commanders more military options as President Donald Trump considers his next steps in the conflict with Iran, Bloomberg reported on Thursday (October 1st), citing a US official.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt left its home port in San Diego on Sunday, according to news reports. A US official said no final decision had been made on the carrier’s destination, but its move gives US Central Command (CENTCOM) additional options in the region, according to a news report.
The US could have three carrier strike groups
If Roosevelt is deployed to the Middle East, the number of US aircraft carrier strike groups in the region would increase to three.
The ship itself has about 5,000 sailors and marines, according to Bloomberg, while thousands more personnel are deployed aboard its escort vessels.
The USS George HW Bush and USS George Washington aircraft carrier strike groups are already in the region and will remain there, the news outlet said.
Bloomberg noted that before military operations against Iran in 2026, the US last had three carrier strike groups in the Middle East in 2003, during the early phase of the US-led invasion of Iraq.
CENTCOM declined to discuss the moves, saying it does not release block plans for operational security reasons.
More US Marines moved
The potential deployment of the carriers comes at the same time as the movement of another US amphibious force.
The USS Makin Island amphibious readiness group, which includes an assault ship, aircraft and about 2,200 Marines, departed on Monday, a US official told the newspaper.
The amphibious task force USS Boxer is already operating near the Strait of Hormuz, providing additional U.S. military capacity near the strategically important waterway.
The military moves come amid diplomatic efforts
The reported deployment comes as major US and Iranian military strikes have entered a lull amid attempts to resume diplomatic talks.
But talks aimed at ending the war remain deadlocked, with key issues including the status and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran offers possible nuclear concession
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has suggested in recent private discussions that Tehran could restore nuclear inspectors’ access to facilities damaged in the attacks in exchange for sanctions relief.
The proposal comes at a time when Washington and Tehran are exploring options for negotiations, but significant differences remain over sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the AP, the eventual deployment of three carrier strike groups would represent an unusually large concentration of US naval forces in the region, with a total presence that could exceed 20,000 sailors and marines.
Trump says it’s ‘possible’ he could increase bombing of Iran after midterm elections
US President Donald Trump said it was “possible” he could step up bombing operations in Iran after the Nov. 3 election, while refusing to release details of his military strategy.
In an interview with Time magazine published Thursday, Trump was asked about the possibility of more U.S. strikes as the war with Iran continues. The interview took place on Monday.
“I can’t tell you that because look, you know, you’re asking where are you going to bomb?” Trump said when pressed about his strategy.
Trump rejects Iran’s latest ceasefire proposal
Trump also said he rejected the latest Iran truce proposal, saying the terms did not go far enough.
“Things I wouldn’t have approved a year ago, I wouldn’t have today,” Trump said.
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