The Pentagon has approved the deployment of the USS Carl S. Vinson aircraft carrier to the Middle East, extending its mission in the region by three months.

This decision comes amid escalating tensions, with the U.S. engaged in military action in Yemen and President Donald Trump continuing to pressure Iran over its nuclear program.

The USS Carl S. Vinson, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, was previously involved in military drills before being ordered to join the USS Harry S. Truman strike group. The Truman, which has been active in operations against Yemeni forces in the Red Sea, will also have its deployment extended for an additional month. Both carriers will now operate in the region, with the Truman strike group having originally been scheduled to return to port by the end of this month.

This marks the second time in six months that the U.S. has stationed two aircraft carrier strike groups in the Middle East, a rare and significant display of military power. Prior to this, it had been years since the U.S. committed such a concentrated naval presence to the region.

The deployments come at a time of heightened tensions, with the U.S. continuing its strikes in Yemen while President Trump has repeatedly warned Iranian leaders to cease their nuclear program, which has been confirmed by international agencies as being peaceful.

The increased military presence in the region underscores the ongoing volatility and growing concerns over the security situation in the Middle East. (ILKHA)