Two aircraft carriers off Iran, and the third is already on its way

The American aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has departed Singapore and is sailing toward the Middle East. A U.S. administration official told Axios that CENTCOM is completing preparations for renewed combat with Iran, but has not yet received an order from Washington. Two additional aircraft carriers are already operating in the region.

The American aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt departed Singapore today (Sunday) and sailed through the Strait of Malacca toward the Middle East. A U.S. administration official told Axios that the strike group will not reach the area of responsibility of U.S. Central Command before mid-November. According to the official, CENTCOM is completing preparations for a possible renewal of large-scale combat with Iran, although it has not yet received new guidance from Washington. Currently operating in the theater are the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, which arrived in August, and the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, which arrived in April. The Theodore Roosevelt is expected to relieve the George Washington, so it is unclear how long three aircraft carriers will operate simultaneously in the area. The naval buildup comes as Washington debates the continuation of the campaign against Iran. President Trump met with the national security team and said the decision would be made 'soon'.

Two aircraft carriers off Iran, and the third is already on its way