image sourced from original article at The aircraft carrier Gerald R Ford, the largest in the world, departed a naval base in Crete as the United States increased military pressure on Iran during renewed nuclear negotiations. The warship had been docked at Souda Bay earlier in the week, and its departure coincided with indirect talks between Washington and Tehran in Geneva, mediated by Oman.
The United States has strengthened its military presence across the Middle East, deploying more than a dozen warships, including another aircraft carrier, multiple destroyers and additional combat vessels. It is uncommon for two American aircraft carriers to operate in the region simultaneously.
The movement comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment. President Donald Trump previously ordered strikes on Iran and has warned of further military action if a new nuclear agreement is not reached. Western nations suspect Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at developing atomic weapons, while Tehran insists its activities are for peaceful purposes.
