The United States deployed its Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier task force to the Persian Gulf on Sunday.

The U.S. military confirmed that the Carrier Strike Group Eisenhower (IKECSG) completed a transit of the Strait of Hormuz, entering the Persian Gulf to support missions under U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The deployment follows the October 7 operation against israel by Hamas and the subsequent Gaza war. Earlier, the U.S. had sent two strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean, seen as a deterrent against Lebanese Hezbollah, known to possess a significant arsenal of missiles and rockets.

While Hezbollah engaged in limited border skirmishes, a full-scale war with israel was avoided. Iran, too, refrained from direct involvement in the Gaza conflict, despite issuing daily statements in support of Hamas.

The IKECSG is tasked with patrolling the Persian Gulf "to ensure freedom of navigation in crucial international waterways, supporting CENTCOM requirements across the region". Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz or inspect vessels have prompted heightened security measures.

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea, guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely and USS Stethem, along with the French frigate Languedo, according to the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). (ILKHA)