Donald Trump has announced the deployment of a second American aircraft carrier to West Asia, signalling increased military pressure on Iran while maintaining that Washington still hopes to secure a deal over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Speaking to reporters before departing the White House, Trump said the additional carrier strike group would be sent as a precaution in case negotiations fail. “If we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it. If we have a deal, we could cut it short,” he said, describing the move as part of a significant military buildup aimed at strengthening the US negotiating position.

The United States is redeploying the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, from the Caribbean to the Middle East. It will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships already stationed in the region, marking a rapid operational shift and potentially extending the deployment of both carrier groups.

The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows renewed US pressure on Iran over its nuclear activities. Gulf nations have warned that any escalation could risk a broader conflict, particularly as instability continues in parts of the region following the Gaza war. Recent maritime incidents, including encounters involving US naval forces and Iranian assets, have further raised concerns.

According to a report by The New York Times, the Ford and its escort ships are expected to remain deployed until late April or early May. The deployment, which had reportedly been extended once before, underscores what US officials describe as a show of “tremendous power” intended to deter aggression while diplomatic efforts continue.