The United States is deploying an additional aircraft carrier and approximately 10,000 sailors and Marines to the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue. According to a U.S. official, the deployment is intended to provide military commanders with additional options should President Donald Trump decide to intensify military operations against Iran.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt departed its home port in San Diego, California, on Sunday and is heading toward the region. The USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, which includes an assault ship, aircraft, and approximately 2,200 Marines, also departed for the Middle East on Monday. If the Roosevelt arrives and remains in the region alongside other carrier forces, the United States could again maintain three aircraft carrier strike groups in the area.

The deployment comes as Washington considers its next steps in the ongoing conflict with Iran. President Trump has indicated that expanded military strikes remain possible after the U.S. midterm elections in November. U.S. Central Command declined to discuss specific unit schedules, citing operational security. Meanwhile, the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group is conducting operations near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for international energy shipments.

The additional deployment could increase pressure on an already heavily committed U.S. naval force. Naval analyst Ronald O’Rourke has warned that maintaining three aircraft carrier strike groups in the region for an extended period would place significant demands on the Navy. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain uncertain, with disagreements continuing over the Strait of Hormuz and other security issues. The duration and final composition of the expanded U.S. military presence have not been confirmed.