The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier entered the Mediterranean Sea on Friday as part of a massive U.S. military buildup.
President Donald Trump ordered the deployment amid growing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump said he is “considering” a limited strike if negotiations fail to produce a new deal with Tehran.
The carrier was photographed transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean. The move comes after another U.S. carrier was already sent to the Middle East.
Officials say the military buildup includes more than 120 aircraft, drones, and combat ships, preparing for a potential strike.
Military Buildup Raises Concerns
Reports suggest the U.S. could launch a limited strike on Iran as soon as this weekend. The administration says the operation would pressure Iran to comply with U.S. demands for a new nuclear agreement.
However, critics point out that U.S. officials have not provided evidence of an immediate threat from Iran, the only internationally recognized reason for military action.
This buildup is being compared to the scale of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but experts note important differences. Unlike Iraq, there are no claims of weapons of mass destruction. Many see the planned strike as a show of force that could provoke a prolonged conflict in the region.
Contradictions in Claims About Iran’s Nuclear Program
The White House claims Iran’s nuclear facilities need to be stopped, yet previous U.S. strikes already targeted these sites.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “obliterated” last year, though experts argue the program was only delayed, not destroyed.
Iranian officials maintain that they are willing to keep their nuclear program peaceful. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that the U.S. has not demanded zero uranium enrichment, and discussions focus on ensuring the program remains non-military.
Despite these statements, the Trump administration continues to insist on ending all enrichment. Analysts warn that any military action could escalate tensions and have severe consequences for the Middle East.
Meanwhile, U.S. public opinion remains largely opposed to military strikes against Iran.
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