On the 26th, U.S. President Trump stated that the situation in Iran remains 'in flux,' and that he has dispatched a fleet to the Middle East that is even larger in scale than the U.S. military presence near the waters around Venezuela.
In an interview with the American news website Axios, he said: 'We have a large fleet next to Iran—bigger than what's around Venezuela.'
He also indicated that diplomacy remains an option, and that the Iranian side 'wants to reach an agreement.'
Axios quoted informed sources as saying that Trump has not yet made a final decision. This week, he may hold more internal consultations and receive briefings on military options. With the arrival of the U.S. carrier strike group, these options will become even more extensive.
Since August last year, the U.S. has deployed an amphibious fleet in the Caribbean near Venezuela, and in November, deployed the 'Ford' aircraft carrier strike group.
'Lincoln' Carrier Could Strike Iran Within One or Two Days
On the 26th, The New York Times cited an unnamed U.S. official as the source, reporting that the 'Lincoln' carrier strike group has already entered the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility in the western Indian Ocean. In theory, if the White House orders a strike on Iran, this carrier strike group could launch a military action within 'one or two days.'
The 'Lincoln' carrier strike group includes three guided-missile destroyers and carrier-based aircraft such as F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18E/F fighters, and EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft. The U.S. military has also increased deployments of F-15E fighters, refueling aircraft, and missile defense systems in the Middle East.
U.S. Strike on Iran Would Severely Undermine Regional Stability
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that if the U.S. launched an attack on Iran, it would seriously undermine stability in the region, and that Russia hopes all sides will exercise restraint.
When asked about possible U.S. strikes against Iran, he said, 'This would undoubtedly mean a serious undermining of stability in the region.'
He added that Russia will continue to work to facilitate a de-escalation of tensions and hopes all relevant parties will exercise restraint and seek to resolve what they see as pressing issues through peaceful negotiations.