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US Adding Second Aircraft Carrier in Middle East

A photo released by the US military shows an F/A-18 Super Hornet warplane taking off from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier on March 16, 2025 - AFP
A photo released by the US military shows an F/A-18 Super Hornet warplane taking off from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier on March 16, 2025 - AFP
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US Adding Second Aircraft Carrier in Middle East

A photo released by the US military shows an F/A-18 Super Hornet warplane taking off from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier on March 16, 2025 - AFP
A photo released by the US military shows an F/A-18 Super Hornet warplane taking off from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier on March 16, 2025 - AFP

The United States is increasing the number of aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East to two, keeping one that is already there and sending another from the Indo-Pacific, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The announcement comes as US forces hammer Yemen's Houthis with near-daily airstrikes in a campaign aimed at ending the threat they pose to civilian shipping and military vessels in the region.

The Carl Vinson will join the Harry S. Truman in the Middle East "to continue promoting regional stability, deter aggression, and protect the free flow of commerce in the region," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.

"To complement the CENTCOM maritime posture, the secretary also ordered the deployment of additional squadrons and other air assets that will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities," Parnell said, referring to the US military command responsible for the region, AFP reported.

"The United States and its partners remain committed to regional security in the CENTCOM (area of responsibility) and are prepared to respond to any state or non-state actor seeking to broaden or escalate conflict in the region," he added.

The Houthis began targeting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the start of the Gaza war in 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians.

Houthi attacks have prevented ships from passing through the Suez Canal, a vital route that normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic. Ongoing attacks are forcing many companies into a costly detour around the tip of southern Africa.

- 'Real pain' -

A day before the carrier announcement, US President Donald Trump vowed that strikes on Yemen's Houthis would continue until they are no longer a threat to shipping.

"The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at US ships, and we will stop shooting at you. Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Trump added that the Houthis had been "decimated" by "relentless" strikes since March 15, saying that US forces "hit them every day and night -- Harder and harder."

On Wednesday, the Houthis accused the United States of killing four people in fresh airstrikes on Hodeidah province.

The US president has also ramped up rhetoric towards Tehran, threatening that "there will be bombing" if Iran does not reach a deal on its nuclear program.

Satellite images seen by AFP showed that Washington had between March 26 and Wednesday doubled the number of B-2 bombers at a US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean, from three to six.

The photos from imaging company Planet Labs PBC also showed the presence of six Stratotanker in-flight refuelling aircraft at the Diego Garcia base, within range of Iran.

Trump's threats come as his administration battles a scandal over the accidental leak of a secret group chat by senior security officials on the Yemen strikes.

The Atlantic magazine revealed last week that its editor -- a well-known US journalist -- was inadvertently included in a chat on the commercially available Signal app where top officials were discussing the strikes.

The officials, including Trump's National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussed details of airstrike timings and intelligence -- unaware that the highly sensitive information was being simultaneously read by a member of the media.

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Arab World

Egypt, Syria Boost Rapprochement Through Reconstruction, Economic Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
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Egypt, Syria Boost Rapprochement Through Reconstruction, Economic Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

Egypt and Syria are seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand economic and trade partnerships, following a series of visits and meetings at various levels in recent weeks.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed his country’s “commitment to actively contributing to efforts to rebuild Syria.”

In a phone call with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, he highlighted the importance of building on the results of a recent visit by an Egyptian economic delegation to Damascus and following up on its outcomes in a way that serves the interests of both countries, according to a statement Thursday by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

In January, Damascus hosted the first Egyptian-Syrian Economic and Investment Forum, with the participation of 26 leaders from Egyptian chambers of commerce and the business community. The forum aimed to establish effective partnerships between the two countries’ commercial institutions and explore prospects for cooperation in trade, industry, services, infrastructure and reconstruction.

The Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce said the forum sought to create Syrian-Egyptian-European alliances through the Union of Mediterranean Chambers, as well as to promote Syrian exports to Africa via the Federation of African Chambers.

During their call, Abdelatty and Shaibai also discussed ways to advance and develop bilateral relations across various fields, particularly in the economic and trade sectors.

Meanwhile, Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar met with Egypt’s chargé d’affaires in Damascus, Ambassador Osama Khadr, to discuss ways to develop economic relations and partnerships.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the talks addressed opportunities to expand economic cooperation, boost trade exchange and enhance collaboration across multiple sectors.

Al-Shaar stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties between Syria and Egypt and activating areas of cooperation in a way that serves mutual interests and supports market activity in both countries.

Former Egyptian assistant foreign minister Youssef El-Sharkawy said Egyptian-Syrian rapprochement is primarily driven by economic considerations.

Existing trade agreements between the two countries need to be activated to enhance cooperation, he remarked, adding that Cairo has continued to support Damascus both politically and economically.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, El-Sharkawy said economic cooperation represents a key avenue for strengthening rapprochement and improving political understanding, particularly amid evolving regional dynamics that require ongoing coordination with all parties.

Egypt remains committed to supporting the stability and sovereignty of Syria and its neighbors, especially Lebanon, he stressed.

According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, the call between Abdelatty and Shaibani also addressed the volatile regional situation amid escalating military tensions. Abdelatty pointed to Egyptian and regional efforts to contain tensions and de-escalate developments linked to Iran.

There has been progress in economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, according to Ayman El-Ashry, head of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, who noted that the Syrian government is offering significant incentives to Egyptian investors.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa also met with an Egyptian business delegation during its January visit to Damascus, expressing appreciation for Egypt’s support, including its hosting of Syrian refugees during its civil war.

The World Bank estimates the cost of rebuilding Syria at around $216 billion, including $75 billion for housing, $59 billion for non-residential buildings and $82 billion for infrastructure.

Arab World

No ‘Positive Signs’ as Israel Refuses to Tie Ending War on Lebanon to Iran

In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)
In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)
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No ‘Positive Signs’ as Israel Refuses to Tie Ending War on Lebanon to Iran

In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)
In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated on Thursday the need for the state to impose its authority throughout its territories and impose monopoly over weapons as part of an initiative to launch direct negotiations with Israel to end the war.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that his country was carrying out “intense” contacts, including relaying messages between Iran and the United States, and communicating with Israel, to ease the tensions and prevent the regional conflict from expanding.

Abdelatty was in Beirut where he met with Aoun and several officials as part of Egypt’s efforts to support Lebanon and contain the regional and international escalation.

He conveyed to Aoun President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's support and “full solidarity with Lebanon, its leadership and people.”

He stressed that Egypt stands by Lebanon during its plight.

“Cairo will not spare an effort to offer political, diplomatic and humanitarian support and it is constantly working with various concerned parties to ease the tensions and avert a deterioration,” added the FM.

‘Unencouraging’ signs

Sources monitoring Abdelatty’s meetings in Beirut said the signs were “unencouraging” and that the political and military circumstances “are not positive” when it comes to Lebanon, especially with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal that the war on Lebanon be included in US-Iran negotiations on ending the regional conflict.

He is insisting on his position to eliminate Hezbollah regardless if a ceasefire is reached between Washington and Tehran, said the sources, meaning the war on Lebanon will stretch on.

They warned that the Lebanese front may witness further escalation in the coming phase.

Abdelatty echoed these concerns, telling reporters in Lebanon that “diplomacy continues, but it has not reached tangible results.”

“Some sides are seeking calm and exploring the possibility of negotiations, so progress may be achieved in the future,” he revealed.

Aoun

Aoun underscored his initiative aimed at ending the military escalation and the Israeli occupation of southern regions, as well as the Lebanese state imposing its authority throughout its territories.

The initiative is based on consolidating security and stability across Lebanon’s borders and preventing any armed presence outside the state, he added. Illegal weapons will be seized to ensure state monopoly over arms and that it alone has control over decisions of war and peace.

“Lebanon does not want to be an arena for the wars of others,” he declared. “Lebanon’s official position reflects a clear desire to keep the country out of regional conflicts.”

He warned that Israel’s failure to respond to his proposal means that the military escalation will continue, deepening the suffering of the people, especially those in the South.

“The Lebanese people are united in refusing to be dragged to civil war,” Aoun added. The army and security forces are carrying out their duties in preserving civil peace and protecting the people, especially the displaced in shelters.

Referring to the continued escalation, he lamented that “might is still prevailing over reason.”

Humanitarian aid

Abdelatty announced that Egypt has sent nearly a 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon that include medical and food products and shelters for the displaced.

“The aid reflects the Egyptian people’s solidarity with the Lebanese people and their keenness on easing their suffering,” the FM stressed.

“Egypt is ready to meet all the demands of our brothers in Lebanon, on the humanitarian, political or diplomatic levels. It will not relent in maintaining its efforts to end the hostilities and restore calm,” he added.

Arab World

Iraq Condemns Any ‘Aggression, Targeting’ of Gulf States, Jordan

An Iraqi soldier stands guard at the site of a destroyed healthcare center in the Habbaniyah military base, which was targeted by in an airstrike killing seven security personnel and wounding 13 others, in Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad on March 26, 2026. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier stands guard at the site of a destroyed healthcare center in the Habbaniyah military base, which was targeted by in an airstrike killing seven security personnel and wounding 13 others, in Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad on March 26, 2026. (AFP)
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Iraq Condemns Any ‘Aggression, Targeting’ of Gulf States, Jordan

An Iraqi soldier stands guard at the site of a destroyed healthcare center in the Habbaniyah military base, which was targeted by in an airstrike killing seven security personnel and wounding 13 others, in Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad on March 26, 2026. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier stands guard at the site of a destroyed healthcare center in the Habbaniyah military base, which was targeted by in an airstrike killing seven security personnel and wounding 13 others, in Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad on March 26, 2026. (AFP)

Iraq on Thursday condemned the targeting of the Gulf states and Jordan, a day after these countries issued a joint statement demanding Baghdad act to prevent attacks from its territory.

The Iraqi foreign ministry "affirms the government's categorical condemnation of any aggression or targeting of the Gulf countries and the Kingdom of Jordan", it said in a statement, adding it was prepared to "work jointly to address them (attacks) responsibly and swiftly".

Iraq was committed to taking the "necessary measures to manage the security challenges", it added.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan issued a joint statement demanding that Baghdad act immediately to prevent attacks from its territory by Iran-backed armed groups.

Iraq has been drawn into the war sparked by US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.

Pro-Tehran Iraqi groups have said they have targeted US interests in the country, as well as the wider region.

Kuwait and Jordan have both said they have been targeted by Iraqi armed factions.

A shadowy group called Saraya Awliyaa al-Dam (Guardians of the Blood Brigades), which claims to be part of the Tehran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq, has claimed attacks on the two countries.

On Wednesday, reacting to the joint statement, the group said attacks "by the Islamic Resistance strictly target the American presence" in the Gulf nations and Jordan.