politics
US Deploys Three Aircraft Carriers to Middle East; Iran Attacks Ships in Strait of Hormuz
The United States has positioned three aircraft carriers in the Middle East for the first time since 2003, as Iran continues attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz despite a ceasefire extension. Incidents include Iranian forces firing on and seizing multiple vessels. Ongoing peace talks focus on the waterway's future and Iran's nuclear program.
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The United States now has three aircraft carrier strike groups operating in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, marking the first such deployment since 2003. The carriers involved are the USS George H.W. Bush, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS Gerald R.
Ford. This deployment occurs amid heightened tensions with Iran, including recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran, but Iranian forces have continued to target vessels in the strait.
At least two ships were fired upon, and Iranian officials reported seizing others. These actions follow U.S. forces boarding an Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean.
The crew remained safe, with no fires or environmental impact noted. A second incident occurred about three hours later, involving gunfire on an outbound cargo ship, which stopped in the water but reported no damage and a safe crew. Iranian state media claimed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired on the Epaminodes after it ignored warnings, and also targeted the Panamanian-flagged Euphoria and MSC-Francesca.
The IRGC stated it seized the Epaminodes and MSC-Francesca for endangering maritime security by operating without permits and tampering with navigation systems. The vessels were directed to Iran's coast for inspection. Satellite imagery from April 22, 2026, showed at least 33 IRGC fast attack craft near the Kargan coast, north of the Strait of Hormuz.
These boats are armed with short-range anti-ship missiles, artillery rockets, and can lay naval mines. U.S. Central Command has destroyed over 150 Iranian ships, but the IRGC retains significant small boat capabilities. Bush in the region after sailing around the southern tip of Africa.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that while military strikes are paused, Operation Economic Fury continues, imposing a blockade that costs Iran $500 million per day. She noted the administration's satisfaction with the economic pressure as they await Iran's response.
