The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its escort ships are expected to head to the Middle East, three U.S. officials told CBS News, as U.S.-Iran tensions simmer.

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is sending an aircraft carrier from the Caribbean to the Middle East, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday, Feb. 13, a move that would put two carriers in the region as tensions soar between the United States and Iran.

The 97,000-tonne USS George HW Bush brings significant additional firepower

The United States Navy has only 10 active supercarriers in service, and deploying one to the Middle East is no small task, requiring extensive preparation

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is building up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades, including two aircraft carrier strike groups, as President Donald Trump warns of possible military action against Iran if talks over its nuclear program fall apart.

A second American aircraft carrier moved closer to the Middle East Thursday, as President Trump remains noncommittal about whether he'll use force against Iran.

U.S. launches major Middle East military buildup with overwhelming force capabilities against Iran as nuclear talks continue, former Pentagon official Dana Stroul said.