USS Gerald R. Ford Arrives in Israel as U.S. Military Buildup Intensifies Amid Iran Tensions

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, arrived off Israel’s coast on Monday, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military deployments to the region as Washington and Jerusalem prepare for the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran.

The carrier — formally designated as Carrier Strike Group 12 — entered the Mediterranean after transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, according to naval tracking reports. The U.S. Navy has not formally confirmed the docking timeline.

President Donald Trump ordered the strike group to the Middle East earlier this month to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is already deployed in the region. The dual-carrier presence significantly expands American naval firepower near Israel and Iran.

Reinforcements Flow Into Israel

In parallel with the carrier’s arrival, U.S. military aircraft have been landing at Israeli facilities, including Ben Gurion Airport. Boeing KC-135 refueling tankers and C-17 Globemaster cargo planes were spotted on the ground, with at least two refuelers reportedly arriving from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar — the largest American base in the Middle East.

According to open-source analysts from the Military Air Tracking Alliance, more than 85 refueling tankers and over 170 cargo aircraft have deployed to the broader region since mid-February — representing the largest U.S. airpower surge in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War buildup.

The United States already maintains more than 40,000 personnel across regional bases and naval assets. The Ford strike group adds several thousand more sailors and aircrew to that total.

Embassy Evacuations Signal Caution

While reinforcing its posture in Israel, Washington has also begun precautionary evacuations elsewhere. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut evacuated dozens of non-essential personnel via Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, citing anticipated regional developments.

The move comes amid speculation that Hezbollah — Iran’s principal regional proxy — could open a northern front against Israel if the U.S. launches strikes on Iranian territory.

India’s foreign ministry also urged its approximately 10,000 citizens in Iran to leave the country, warning of the “evolving situation” and advising nationals to avoid protest areas.

Nuclear Talks and War Warnings

The military buildup coincides with ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. President Trump has warned that failure to reach an agreement could trigger military action.

“If we don’t make a deal, it will be a very bad day for that country and, very sadly, its people,” Trump said Monday on Truth Social.

Trump also rejected reports from Axios and The Wall Street Journal suggesting that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Daniel Caine had advised strongly against war with Iran. Trump insisted the general would execute any lawful order and emphasized his leadership role in Operation Midnight Hammer — the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day war in 2025.

However, the Journal reported that Pentagon officials warned of significant risks in a prolonged military campaign, including potential high casualties and broader regional escalation.

Unrest Inside Iran

Meanwhile, fresh anti-regime protests have erupted at universities across Iran. The BBC confirmed demonstrations at multiple campuses in Tehran, as well as in Isfahan and Mashhad, with students chanting “woman, life, freedom” and other anti-government slogans.

Clashes have reportedly occurred between protesters and members of the Basij militia. The unrest follows last month’s deadly crackdown on demonstrators and comes as the regime faces mounting internal and external pressure.

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