The US is enhancing its military presence in the Middle East following US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran, several US media outlets reported on Thursday.
The New York Times reported that the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and some of its escort warships were steaming toward the Middle East from the South China Sea — about a weeklong journey, according to two US officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss operational matters.
In addition, an array of warplanes, likely to include a combination of fighter jets, attack planes and refueling planes, were expected to start flowing into the region soon, many from Europe, the officials said.
Some of these aircraft had been scheduled to replace units in the Middle East and could have their tours extended depending on the severity of the tensions, the officials added.
Meanwhile, Axios said that as Trump takes time to consider diplomatic options with Iran, the US military is evacuating troops from Middle East bases and sending reinforcements to the region, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group. There was no official confirmation of such deployment from the Pentagon.
Also, Fox News quoted military sources as saying that at least one US aircraft carrier is being moved toward the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to build.
It is not yet clear whether the carrier is the USS Abraham Lincoln, currently operating in the South China Sea, or one of two carriers that departed Norfolk and San Diego earlier this week, it wrote.
Since mass protests began against the Iranian government two weeks ago, Trump has openly threatened to intervene in Iran, without giving specifics.
In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, he vowed “very strong action” if Iran executes protesters. He also urged Iranians to keep protesting and take over institutions, declaring “help is on the way.”
Protests in Iran erupted mainly due to dire economic conditions and widespread resentment form the country’s leaderships.
Iranian security forces have exerted mounting violence against protestors, with reports of hundreds killed and thousands arrested.
