The United States has decided to deploy a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East, where the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate. This was reported on June 18, 2025, by CNN, citing a senior US official and two other informed sources. The decision followed the refusal of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to accept an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, who demanded that Tehran "unconditional surrender" and completely abandon its nuclear program. This move by Washington underscores its readiness to further increase pressure on Iran amid the growing crisis.

The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford, the most modern and expensive ship in the US Navy, is heading to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, with an estimated cost of $13 billion. This 333-meter giant, nicknamed the "city on the sea", is equipped with two Bechtel A1B nuclear reactors, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 56 km/h. The aircraft carrier is equipped with RIM-116 RAM and RIM-162 ESSM air defense systems, Phalanx CIWS anti-aircraft systems and large-caliber machine guns. The ship can carry up to 90 aircraft, including fifth-generation F-35 fighters, and more than 4000 crew members. Gerald R. Ford is accompanied by a strike group, including destroyers and cruisers, making it a powerful tool for projecting power in the region.

The conflict between Iran and Israel, which began on June 13 with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, has left hundreds of casualties and extensive destruction. According to the Associated Press, Iran responded with missile attacks, firing more than 700 rockets and drones at Israeli cities, some of which damaged infrastructure. Khamenei’s rejection of Trump’s June 16 ultimatum made matters worse. Iran, through intermediaries such as Qatar, has signaled a willingness to negotiate, but only if sanctions are lifted and Israeli attacks stop, according to The New York Times. At the same time, Tehran has tightened its internal controls, shutting down the internet nationwide in what NetBlocks says is an attempt to quell protests and limit information leaks about military casualties.