In reversal, Pentagon orders aircraft carrier to remain in Middle East to deter Iran
The acting US defense secretary cited Iranian leaders' threats against President Donald Trump and other US officials in the order for the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to remain in the Middle East.
The Pentagon ordered the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to remain in the Middle East on Sunday, citing threats by Iranian leaders against President Donald Trump and other US officials.
Acting US Defense Secretary Christopher Miller’s decision reverses an order he issued just three days prior, overruling top Central Command officials to bring the ship home in a de-escalatory gesture toward Iran. While in the region, the Nimitz also lent support to the ongoing US troop drawdown from Somalia that began last month.
Washington has put its overwhelming military power in the region on display in recent weeks, dispatching B-52 bombers as well as a guided-missile submarine and cruisers into the Persian Gulf while extending the Nimitz’ now 10-month-long deployment at sea.
The show of force was intended as a warning to officials in Tehran ahead of yesterday’s anniversary of the US assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, an act for which Iranian leaders have continued to promise revenge.
