The Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier and 10,000 sailors and marines to the Persian Gulf, according to a U.S. official, a move that gives American commanders more options if President Donald Trump chooses to escalate attacks on Iran.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier left its San Diego home port on Sunday and is headed to the Middle East, the official said.
When the Roosevelt arrives, the U.S. could again have three carrier strike groups in the region, the same number as in late April, although a decision on maintaining that level hasn’t been made, the official added.
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