Trump sends second aircraft carrier to Middle East in effort to increase pressure on Iran

In an effort to increase pressure on Iran amid nuclear program discussions, Donald Trump has ordered the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group to the Middle East. The Ford, which recently participated in operations in the Caribbean, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region, significantly increasing U.S. military presence. This deployment follows indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Oman, with further talks anticipated but unscheduled. The decision also comes after Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss negotiations with Iran, who has expressed willingness to curb nuclear enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. While Iran has regained control after recent protests, Trump's focus has shifted to curbing Iran's nuclear program.