US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One in Washington on February 13, 2026. © Evan Vucci, AP

Trump says second aircraft carrier ‘leaving very shortly’ for Middle East

· France 24

US President Donald Trump said Friday a second aircraft carrier group would be heading to the Middle East soon, upping the military threat against Iran amid negotiations over its nuclear programme.

“It’ll be leaving very shortly,” Trump told journalists when asked about reports the USS Gerald R. Ford would be moved from the Caribbean to the Middle East. “In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it.”

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(FRANCE 24 with AFP)