The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has departed the Middle East following its involvement in operations against Iran, as confirmed by a US official. This move now leaves two other US aircraft carriers, the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush, in the region. The USS Ford set a new record by spending over 10 months at sea, surpassing the previous post-Vietnam War deployment duration.
On March 12, a fire incident in the main laundry areas of the carrier resulted in injuries to two sailors, according to the US Navy. The Ford Carrier Strike Group commenced its most recent deployment on June 24, 2025, starting from Virginia and moving to the US European Command area before engaging in counter-narcotics operations in Latin America and then proceeding to the Middle East amidst rising tensions with Iran.
President Donald Trump informed lawmakers that the military actions against Iran have ceased, citing the expiration of a 60-day legal deadline for the unauthorized military action that began on February 28, 2026. Trump emphasized that there had been no exchange of fire between the US and Iran since April 7, 2026. The decision to halt hostilities aims to address the ongoing debate over the necessity of Congressional approval for the conflict.
Trump expressed uncertainty about ongoing negotiations with Iran, stating his dissatisfaction with current proposals while keeping diplomatic and military options open. He highlighted the internal divisions within Iran’s leadership, describing them as fragmented and lacking consensus. Trump suggested that these internal disagreements were weakening Tehran’s negotiating stance, noting the leadership’s disarray and discord.
