US President Donald Trump on Friday upped the stakes in Washington’s already tense relationship with Iran, saying that a second American aircraft will be “leaving very shortly” for the Middle East. Trump is hoping to strike a deal with Iran to curb its nuclear programme, but has warned of severe consequences if one does not come through.
Issued on: 13/02/2026 - 19:09
US President Donald Trump said Friday a second aircraft carrier group would be heading to the Middle East soon, upping the military threat against Iran amid negotiations over its nuclear programme.
“It’ll be leaving very shortly,” Trump told journalists when asked about reports the USS Gerald R. Ford would be moved from the Caribbean to the Middle East. “In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it.”
Read moreMilitary pressure 'does not scare' Iran, FM says after US envoys visit aircraft carrier
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Keywords for this article
The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.
