- Trump says US 'army' is headed to Iran, but hopes not to use it.
- The United States is also moving fighter jets and air defense systems to the Middle East.
- The United Arab Emirates opposes the use of its territory for hostile actions against Iran.
WASHINGTON: A US aircraft carrier and supporting warships have arrived in the Middle East, two US officials said. Reuters on Monday, expanding President Donald Trump's capabilities to defend U.S. forces or potentially take military action against Iran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several guided missile destroyers have crossed into the Middle East region, which falls under the US military's Central Command, officials said. Reuters.
Trump said Thursday that the United States had an “army” heading toward Iran, but he hoped he wouldn't have to use it.
Warships began deploying from the Asia-Pacific region earlier this month, as tensions between Iran and the United States rose following the crackdown on protests across Iran.
Trump had repeatedly threatened to intervene if Iran continued killing protesters, but demonstrations across the country have since subsided. The president said he had been told that murders were decreasing and that he believes there is currently no plan for prisoner executions.
In the past, the US military has sent forces to the Middle East at times of high tensions, moves that were often defensive.
However, the US military carried out a major build-up last year ahead of its June strikes against Iran's nuclear program.
In addition to the aircraft carrier and warships, the Pentagon is also moving fighter jets and air defense systems to the Middle East.
Over the weekend, the US military announced it would conduct an exercise in the region “to demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse and sustain combat air power.”
A senior Iranian official said last week that Tehran would consider any attack a “total war against us.”
The United Arab Emirates said on Monday that it will not allow its airspace, territory or territorial waters to be used for hostile military actions against Iran.
The US Army's Al Dhafra Air Base is located south of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and has been a critical hub for the US Air Force in support of key missions against the Islamic State, as well as reconnaissance deployments throughout the region.
