Trump sends third aircraft carrier to Middle East with 10,000 more troops – as he eyes attack on Iran after midterms

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is sending a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East as President Trump reportedly weighs whether to escalate the war against Iran after the midterms.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group left San Diego on Sunday, carrying between 9,000 and 10,000 troops as Trump considers his next steps with Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported. The task force is expected to arrive in November.

It is not immediately clear whether the deployment is intended to relieve another aircraft carrier in the region or to strengthen force posture there.

The USS George HW Bush and USS George Washington are already stationed in the region, the latter having replaced the USS Abraham Lincoln in August following its record-breaking long deployment and allegedly grim conditions for its crew. The USS George Washington is usually deployed to the Pacific Ocean and is homeported in Japan.

Due to heartbreaking reports of weary sailors attempting to jump overboard due to shortages of critical supplies due to Iranian strikes that disrupted supply lines in the region, particularly at a key port in Bahrain, the Pentagon scheduled the USS Theodore Roosevelt to be ready for an extended stay.

That meant maximizing its stockpile of food, hygiene, retail and other essential supplies before deploying, something Navy leaders touted last month.

They also took steps to ensure sailors had more reliable communication with their families back home and a better quality of life aboard the aircraft carrier.

“That means new entertainment equipment on the mess decks, more durable fitness equipment, replacement cardio machines ready for our placement and even vacation equipment purchased in advance,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said in a video announcement last time about the reforms.

The Post has contacted the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command for comment.

Last week, Trump rejected Iran’s offer of a seven-day ceasefire, calling it unacceptable. Iran has indicated it will open the Strait of Hormuz during that time, but senior administration officials say the United States is already moving oil through the critical chokepoint.

There would be approximately 20 Navy ships in the area to assist with the escort.

The president also indicated he might resume his bombing campaign against Iran after the midterm elections.

“Because by annihilating Iran, we created world peace,” he told Time magazine. “With Iran, I don’t think we can ever have peace.”

For weeks, the Trump administration has maintained a blockade around Iran as part of a brutal economic pressure campaign. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also led Operation Economic Outcast to pressure other countries to cease trade relations with Iran.