US boosts military presence near Iran, sending two supercarriers to Indian Ocean

New satellite imagery reveals the USS Carl Vinson, part of the US Navy’s strike group, entering the Indian Ocean via the Malacca Straits.

This marks a significant increase in the US military's presence in the region amidst growing tensions with Iran and the Houthis in Yemen, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The deployment comes at a time when the US military is positioning its forces more aggressively in the region, potentially signaling preparations for heightened action in the coming days and weeks.

The USS Carl Vinson, which was originally stationed in the western Pacific, is now en route to the Middle East to join the USS Harry S. Truman. The US Navy's enhanced presence in the region includes not only the two aircraft carriers but also B-2 stealth bombers stationed at Diego Garcia, significantly strengthening the US military's ability to carry out air and missile strikes. This robust force increases the potential for broader military action.

Satellite data and maritime records indicate that the USS Carl Vinson, along with its strike group—comprising the USS Princeton and USS Sterett—has passed through the Malacca Straits into the Indian Ocean. This redeployment of the Carl Vinson follows reports that US President Donald Trump is weighing indirect nuclear talks with Iran, while simultaneously preparing for potential military strikes.

In parallel, US forces have continued operations against Houthi rebels, who have escalated their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea since late 2023, acting in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In response to the escalating tensions, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently issued a warning of a “strong reciprocal blow” against any US actions in the region. This warning comes as negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program remain stalled, with Washington growing increasingly concerned about Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional activities. Iran, for its part, maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell affirmed the US stance, stating, "Secretary Hegseth continues to make clear that, should Iran or its proxies threaten American personnel and interests in the region, the United States will take decisive action to defend our people."

In contrast, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X, saying, "Diplomatic engagement worked in the past and can still work. But, it should be clear to all that there is—by definition—no such thing as a 'military option' let alone a 'military solution.'"

With two US supercarriers and long-range bombers now stationed in the Indian Ocean, further military action against the Houthis and increased pressure on Iran appear increasingly likely.

By Vafa Guliyeva