US Evacuates Americans, 3rd Aircraft Carrier Moves Closer to Israel/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A third U.S. aircraft carrier is deploying near Israel amid rising conflict with Iran. President Trump encouraged Netanyahu to press on, while the U.S. begins evacuation efforts for Americans. Iran firmly rejected Trump’s threats and diplomacy under pressure.
US Carrier Deployment Near Israel + Quick Looks:
- USS Ford headed to Eastern Mediterranean near Israel.
- Deployment heightens U.S. military presence amid Israel-Iran conflict.
- Another carrier en route to support or replace USS Carl Vinson.
- Carriers bring strike capability, missile defense, and power projection.
- US arranging evacuation flights and cruises for citizens in Israel.
- Trump urges Netanyahu to “keep going” in Iran campaign.
- Iran vows no negotiations under threats or pressure.
US Evacuates Americans, 3rd US Aircraft Carrier Moves Closer to Israel
Deep Look
The U.S. is intensifying its military posture in the Middle East as the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is set to deploy to the Eastern Mediterranean next week, near Israel. The move places a third U.S. aircraft carrier within proximity of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, according to multiple U.S. officials.
While the Ford’s deployment had been planned for the European Command theater since late 2024, the current geopolitical tensions are prompting the Pentagon to reroute it closer to the Middle East. Simultaneously, another U.S. aircraft carrier is also heading toward the region, either to join or replace the USS Carl Vinson.
Aircraft carriers serve as a cornerstone of American military strategy, offering unmatched power projection. They host a full complement of fighter jets capable of executing offensive strikes, intercepting incoming threats, and providing defensive capabilities via their escort warships. Their presence typically signals strategic seriousness in times of crisis.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are also coordinating evacuation options for American citizens in Israel. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced via X that the embassy is working on emergency flights and even cruise ship departures for Americans wishing to leave the country. Huckabee stressed that U.S. nationals must enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem remains closed through at least Friday, and while no official evacuation start date was given, a 24-hour task force is actively handling developments.
President Donald Trump continues to play a direct role in the crisis. Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House, Trump revealed that he speaks daily with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has urged him to persist in efforts against Iran. “I said: Keep going,” Trump stated, backing Netanyahu’s ongoing military campaign.
Trump called Netanyahu a “good man” and expressed sympathy for the embattled Israeli leader’s domestic legal troubles, dubbing him a “wartime president” facing “ridiculous” challenges at home.
Despite escalating rhetoric from Washington, Iran remains defiant. The Iranian mission to the United Nations issued a strong statement rejecting diplomacy “under duress.” The post, referencing Trump’s threats and comments on Truth Social, condemned his “cowardly” targeting of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Iran does NOT negotiate under duress,” the statement read, “shall NOT accept peace under duress, and certainly NOT with a has-been warmonger clinging to relevance.” The message warned that any U.S. action would be met with reciprocal responses.
Trump, undeterred, claimed earlier Wednesday that he had issued Iran an “ultimate ultimatum” as he evaluates direct military intervention. He stopped short of confirming any specific plans but emphasized ongoing support for Israel and coordination with Netanyahu.
With multiple U.S. aircraft carriers now operating near Israeli waters, evacuation plans underway, and direct presidential involvement, the situation has quickly evolved into one of the most volatile standoffs in recent Middle East history. The next moves by either side may determine the broader regional trajectory for years to come.
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