National Defense

9,000 More US Troops Head To Middle East As Trump Mulls Resuming Iran Strikes

Screenshot/Rumble/CBS

While President Donald Trump contemplates further strikes, America is deploying seven more warships to the Middle East, with the fleet carrying approximately 9,000 more troops.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt and three accompanying destroyers left their port in San Diego early this week and they are expected to reach the Middle East at the end of November, The Financial Times reported. It remains unclear whether the USS Theodore Roosevelt will join the USS George Washington and USS George HW Bush in the region or replace them.

Additionally, the USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), consisting of an amphibious warship and two docking ships, is traveling to the region, according to the outlet. The ARG also carries the 13th Marine Expidentiary Unit.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) declined to comment to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Altogether, the ships carry around 9,000 troops. Carrier strike groups have approximately 5,000 troops, with dozens of aircraft aboard the carrier, The Financial Times reported. ARGs have about 4,200 sailors and Marines aboard.

On Thursday, Trump told TIME Magazine that it was “possible” he would resume strikes after the midterm elections if an adequate deal with Tehran was not met. The U.S. has not officially announced strikes on Iran or Iranian vessels in nearly a month. As midterms approach and Republicans fight to maintain control of the Legislative Branch, the war in Iran remains an unpopular issue.

Throughout the conflict, America has kept approximately 20 warships in the region, The Financial Times reported. The Navy has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports while helping tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. After the Iraqi withdrawal, there are now approximately 50,000 troops in the region.