WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is actively considering the deployment of a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, according to a new report from Axios. The potential move comes as the administration seeks to ramp up military pressure on Tehran in response to stalled nuclear negotiations and the Iranian government’s violent crackdown on recent mass protests.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that the deployment is being weighed as a show of force to deter further aggression and compel Iran to return to the negotiating table. This development follows the recent arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the region late last month, which President Trump described as part of a “huge armada” intended to signal American resolve.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, President Trump suggested that military options remain on the table if diplomatic efforts fail. “We’ll have to do something very tough” if a deal cannot be reached, Trump stated, though he also expressed optimism that the Iranian leadership is looking for an off-ramp. “They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions,” he added during an interview cited by reports.
The consideration of additional naval power coincides with a volatile period inside Iran. Since late December, the country has been rocked by widespread anti-government protests triggered by a collapsing currency and soaring inflation. Human rights organizations have reported severe state suppression of these demonstrations, a factor that has drawn sharp warnings from the White House.
Military analysts suggest that a second carrier group would significantly expand U.S. strike capabilities in the Persian Gulf, providing options ranging from enhanced air patrols to potential kinetic strikes if the security situation deteriorates further. The Pentagon has not yet issued an official confirmation regarding the deployment of a second carrier, noting that force posture decisions are made based on evolving security requirements.
Regional allies, including Israel, have reportedly been in close contact with the Trump administration regarding the Iranian threat. Tensions in the region have remained high following the brief but intense 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran last June, which ended in a fragile ceasefire. The reintroduction of heavy U.S. naval assets is seen by many as a strategic maneuver to stabilize the region while maximizing leverage over Tehran.
