US Deploys World's Largest Aircraft Carrier to Middle East Amid Rising Iran Tensions
The United States has ordered its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke on Thursday under condition of anonymity. This significant military deployment comes as President Donald Trump considers potential military action against Iran, escalating pressure over its nuclear program.
Strategic Naval Movement Reported by The New York Times
The move, first reported by The New York Times, will position two aircraft carriers and their accompanying warships in the region. This bolstered naval presence underscores the Trump administration's hardline approach to Iran, aiming to force concessions in ongoing nuclear negotiations. The deployment signals a heightened state of alert and readiness as diplomatic efforts continue.
Trump's Fort Bragg Visit Celebrates Maduro Capture
In related developments, President Trump is traveling to Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Friday to honour special forces members involved in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The operation, which occurred on the third day of the New Year, resulted in Maduro being taken to face US smuggling charges. First lady Melania Trump will accompany the president to spend time with military families at one of the world's largest military bases by population.
Trump previously spoke at Fort Bragg in June during an event marking the 250th anniversary of the US Army. However, that celebration was overshadowed by his partisan remarks describing Los Angeles protesters as "animals" and his defence of military deployment there.
Republican Discontent Over Greenland Policy
A new AP-NORC poll reveals that Trump's recent push to seize control of Greenland is causing division even within his own party. Approximately 7 in 10 US adults disapprove of how Trump is handling the Greenland issue, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. This disapproval rate exceeds general foreign policy dissatisfaction, indicating that the Greenland approach has created a particular vulnerability for the administration.
Even among Republicans, enthusiasm is limited, with about half disapproving of Trump's attempt to incorporate the icebound landmass into American territory. Trump has insisted this move is critical for national security in the Arctic region.
US-Taiwan Trade Agreement Reached
Taiwan has secured a trade deal with the United States that eliminates nearly all tariff barriers. According to the US Trade Representative's office, the agreement covers 99% of Taiwan's tariffs. This development is significant given US reliance on Taiwan for computer chip production, which contributes to a substantial trade imbalance.
US data shows that chip exports from Taiwan helped drive a trade gap of nearly $127 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. US officials attended the signing through the American Institute in Taiwan. The deal precedes Trump's planned visit to China in April and suggests a deepening economic relationship between the US and Taiwan.
