Third US aircraft carrier heading near Israel amid Iran conflict - CNN
The USS Ford Carrier Strike Group is set to deploy to Europe next week and is expected to move into the eastern Mediterranean near Israel, CNN reported Wednesday, citing US officials.
It would become the third US carrier positioned close to the Israel-Iran conflict.
While the Ford’s deployment was planned in advance, its movement reflects heightened military posture.
Another carrier is also en route to the region, possibly to join or relieve the USS Carl Vinson.
US carriers can launch airstrikes, intercept missiles, and operate as forward platforms for power projection in crises.
Iran denies sending delegation to Oman after reports of jets landing
Iran’s foreign ministry denied Wednesday that a negotiation team had traveled to Muscat, following reports of Iranian government planes landing in Oman.
The official IRNA news agency quoted the Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baqaei dismissing that a diplomatic mission was seeking mediation over Israeli strikes.
Iranian government jets land in Oman, fueling speculation of mediation
Two Meraj Airlines jets believed to be linked to the Iranian government landed in Muscat on Wednesday, according to flight tracking data from Flightradar.
The unannounced arrivals have sparked speculation that Tehran may be seeking Omani mediation amid ongoing Israeli strikes. Iranian and Omani officials have not commented on the reports.
US arranging evacuations from Israel, ambassador says
The United States is organizing evacuation efforts for its citizens in Israel, including flights and cruise ship departures, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee said Wednesday on X.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem is coordinating the arrangements and urged Americans to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler program for updates, he added.
