Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Apr 30: A US aircraft carrier along with its strike group is set to leave the West Asia region in the coming days, even as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.

According to reports, the USS Gerald R Ford, one of the three US carriers currently deployed in the region, will return after an extended deployment of over 10 months. The move is expected to provide relief to nearly 4,500 sailors stationed aboard the vessel.

The carrier has been operating in the Red Sea, while the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H W Bush continue their presence in the Arabian Sea as part of the US naval blockade targeting Iranian oil shipments and trade routes.

The USS Gerald R Ford’s deployment, lasting over 300 days, is among the longest for a modern US aircraft carrier. Reports indicate that the prolonged mission has led to operational strain, including onboard incidents and maintenance issues. The ship is expected to undergo repairs and servicing upon its return to Virginia.

The development comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering extending the blockade of Iranian ports, following stalled negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The blockade aims to restrict Iran’s oil exports and exert economic pressure.

Officials have indicated that military options remain under consideration, though the current strategy focuses on sustaining the naval blockade. The partial withdrawal of the carrier may slightly reduce the US naval presence in the region, but operations by other deployed assets are expected to continue.