Washington DC [US], January 15 (HBTV): The US Defence Headquarters, the Pentagon, is redeploying a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East, amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Iran, US-based news network News Nation reported, citing sources.
According to the report, the carrier strike group, centred on an aircraft carrier and supported by multiple warships, including at least one attack submarine, is expected to take around a week to reach the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln is reported to be the aircraft carrier heading to the Middle East.
The redeployment marks a significant shift in US military assets and comes against the backdrop of growing unrest in Iran, where widespread anti-government rallies have erupted over inflation, economic hardship and governance-related grievances. Reports said discussions are ongoing in Washington over potential US support for protesters challenging Iran’s ruling establishment.
News Nation reported that CENTCOM’s area of responsibility spans more than 4 million square miles across Northeast Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia, covering 21 countries including Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.
While officials have not publicly commented on the specific objectives of the redeployment, the move underscores heightened US military readiness amid rising regional tensions.
Earlier, CNN reported, citing sources, that some personnel stationed at the US’s largest military base in the Middle East have been advised to leave as a precautionary measure. According to a US official familiar with the matter, the directive applies to certain staff at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and reflects elevated security concerns rather than an immediate threat.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has also urged its personnel to exercise increased caution, limit non-essential travel to military installations and ensure personal safety plans are in place.
Concerns are growing among countries neighbouring Iran over the potential destabilising impact of any military action, prompting regional governments to engage directly with the Trump administration to convey their apprehensions.
Meanwhile, CBS News reported that US President Donald Trump was briefed on a range of military and covert options against Iran, extending beyond conventional airstrikes. Citing two US Defence Department officials, the report said the options include integrated military, cyber and psychological operations.
According to the Human Rights Activist News Agency, Iran’s nationwide protests have entered their 18th day amid an ongoing communications blackout, with at least 617 protest events recorded across 187 cities. The agency reported that over 18,470 people have been arrested and 2,615 deaths confirmed so far.
(ANI)