Second US aircraft carrier is being sent to the Middle East, AP source says, as Iran tensions high

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and JON GAMBRELLFebruary 13, 2026 at 08:23 AM

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The United States is deploying a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran. This deployment aims to bolster President Trump's efforts to pressure Iran into a nuclear agreement. The move follows Trump's suggestion of renewed talks with Iran, which did not occur despite Iranian officials engaging with U.S. intermediaries in Oman and Qatar. Gulf Arab nations have cautioned that any attack could escalate into a broader regional conflict. The deployment occurs as Iranians begin observing a 40-day mourning period, though the article does not specify what event is being mourned.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Qatar 30% Gaza Strip 30% Steve Witkoff 40% Sayyid Badr Albusaidi 40% Jared Kushner 40% Tehran 40% Oman ×350% Donald Trump 60% USS Gerald R. Ford ×270% Middle East ×380% United States ×590% Iran ×490%

Keywords

aircraft carrier 100% middle east 90% iran 90% us 80% tensions 70% uss gerald r. ford 70% nuclear program 60% negotiations 50% regional conflict 50% military deployment 40%