US Deploys Three Aircraft Carriers to Middle East; Iran Attacks Ships in Strait of Hormuz

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.

A second round of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran has begun, centering on the Strait of Hormuz, curbs on Iran's nuclear program, its highly enriched uranium, ballistic missiles, and support for proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis. Iran refuses to return to negotiations until the U.S. ends its blockade of Iranian ports.

Sources in Pakistan indicated positive mediation efforts, with possible talks resuming within 36 to 72 hours. Trump told The New York Post that another round of negotiations may occur later in the week, describing it as possible. Israel's N12 News reported that Trump set a new deadline for Iran ending on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Israel has been informed of this timeline.

Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz have pushed up energy prices, with Tehran proposing a $2 million payment from tankers using the route. This de facto blockade affects oil and gas tankers, potentially raising costs for years. The strait also hosts at least seven main communication cables, including FALCON, AAE-1, TGN-Gulf, and SEA-ME-WE, carrying over 97% of the world's internet traffic via undersea fiber optics.

The Pentagon informed Congress that clearing mines deployed by Iran in the strait could take six months, unlikely to begin until the conflict ends. This timeline suggests elevated gasoline and oil prices could persist late into 2026 or beyond. The assessment has drawn frustration from both Democrats and Republicans.

The Middle East crisis has boosted profits for China's metals producers, with combined earnings of $21 billion in the first quarter of 2026, the strongest since 2016. Aluminum and copper prices reached highs, with copper at an all-time peak and aluminum at its highest since 2022, benefiting from higher product prices amid the disruptions.

The three U.S. carriers represent about 14 acres of sovereign territory, embarking 27 squadrons with over 200 aircraft. Accompanying nine guided-missile destroyers carry 846 vertical launch system tubes for offensive and defensive missiles, supported by at least three fast-attack submarines.

-Gen. Herzi Halevi and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Authorities consider upgrading one charge to treason. Other U.S. carrier activities include the USS Theodore Roosevelt integrating with an Unmanned Surface Vessel Division, potentially testing new missile launchers.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower completed sea trials on April 24, 2026, after 15 months of maintenance. The USS Carl Vinson is in scheduled maintenance, USS Nimitz participates in Exercise Southern Seas off Chile, and USS George Washington remains in port in Japan.