TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The United States has expanded its military presence in the Middle East by deploying a third aircraft carrier strike group as its conflict with Iran enters its fifth week.
According to a report by the New York Post, the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush has been sent to the region along with a fleet of support ships. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Naval Fleet Expansion
The move came after earlier reports from Navy Times said the carrier had departed from its base in Norfolk, Virginia, on what was initially described as a routine deployment.
In the Middle East, the USS George H.W. Bush is expected to join two other U.S. carrier strike groups already operating in nearby waters: the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean Sea and the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea.
The addition of a third carrier group further bolsters the U.S. military posture in key strategic areas, including major maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Pentagon Prepares Possible Operations in Iran
U.S. officials said the Pentagon is also preparing for the possibility of limited ground operations in Iran in the coming weeks.
The information was first reported by The Washington Post and later cited by Al Jazeera. The report said the potential operations could include strikes targeting Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, the limited operations could involve both special forces and conventional infantry units.
Despite the military preparations, U.S. President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to authorize such operations.
Responding to The Washington Post report, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, “It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision.”
U.S. Reinforces Ground Troops
The United States is also increasing its ground troop presence in the region.
According to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on March 28, around 3,500 additional troops arrived in the Middle East aboard the USS Tripoli.
The troops are part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which arrived on March 27, 2026, with transport aircraft, strike fighter jets, and amphibious and tactical assets.
In addition, the U.S. government is reportedly planning to send thousands more personnel from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region.
Read: Iran War: Trump Says US Will Be 'Leaving Soon'
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