Washington: The US is preparing to deploy a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East for strikes on Iran. Media reports indicate this move is in response to heightened tensions in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US Navy's USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier has completed preparations to leave for the Eastern Mediterranean. The ship finalized its preparations off the coast of North Carolina's Hatteras Island and is expected to set sail soon. The aircraft carrier, equipped with dozens of strike aircraft, will be accompanied by guided-missile destroyers.

Currently, the USS Gerald R. Ford is operating in the Red Sea, while the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is active in the Sea of Oman. These deployments come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following large-scale attacks by the US and Israel against Iran last weekend.

The attacks resulted in over 1,000 casualties, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, more than 150 schoolgirls, and senior military officials. In retaliation, Iran launched barrages targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel across the region, along with multiple Israeli cities.