US Navy Concentrates Forces in Persian Gulf Amid Rising Tensions with Iran
As of April 30, 2026, the US Navy has deployed approximately 27 ships in the Persian Gulf, representing 41% of its global fleet. This unprecedented military presence includes three Carrier Strike Groups, signaling a significant show of force amid ongoing tensions with Iran and critical negotiations regarding its nuclear program.
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The US Navy currently has 27 ships in the Persian Gulf, including three Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) led by the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush. This deployment provides an air force equivalent to that of many national armies, with approximately 210-240 combat aircraft available.
Each CSG includes multiple Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, offering substantial missile launch capability. However, this concentration of force poses vulnerabilities, particularly from Iran's anti-ship capabilities.
Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford is set to return to Virginia in mid-May after 309 days on deployment, which may reduce US firepower in the region as negotiations with Iran remain stalled. The operational costs for the US military operations in the region have reached about $25 billion, highlighting the financial implications of sustained military engagement.
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