US deploys another warship near Iran, Donald Trump says it will be needed if a deal isn’t reached.

Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has decided to send a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid efforts to reach a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. He said it would be needed if a deal isn’t reached. President Trump also said that regime change in Iran would be “the best thing that could happen,” as the US administration considers military action against Tehran.

Donald Trump made these comments shortly after meeting with troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Earlier in the day, he confirmed that he was deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East for potential military action against Iran. Significantly, the US is sending the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. It will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers already deployed in the region. The Lincoln has been in the region for over two weeks.

Will the aircraft carrier’s deployment increase pressure on Iran?
Trump, while departing the White House for Fort Bragg, North Carolina, said the aircraft carrier would depart soon. He warned Iran this week that a lack of agreement could be “very painful.” Indirect talks between the US and Iran recently took place in Oman.

Meanwhile, Gulf countries have warned that any attack could spark a regional conflict, especially at a time when the region is already tense. Iran is beginning the 40th day of mourning for those killed during recent protests, increasing internal pressure on the government. Recently, US forces shot down an Iranian drone that flew close to the Lincoln. That same day, Iran attempted to intercept an American-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Two dangerous US warships deployed in the Middle East
The USS Ford was sent from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean last October, where it was preparing for military action related to Venezuela. It is now being redeployed. US Southern Command has stated that despite the change in force deployment, their operational capabilities in the Western Hemisphere will not be affected.

Earlier, Trump also held a lengthy conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Afterward, he stressed the need to continue negotiations with Iran. Netanyahu wants Iran to limit its ballistic missile program and end its support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah in any agreement.