The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its accompanying strike group are moving westward in the South China Sea. Analysis of satellite images from Sentinel-2 (Copernicus program) on Wednesday, November 4, shows that this ship is currently heading towards the Makala Strait.
Possibility of Entry into the Middle East
It seems that the Roosevelt strike group is heading towards the operational area of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in the Middle East. If this prediction comes true, it is expected that the Theodore Roosevelt will enter the operational area in mid-November.
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Number of Aircraft Carriers Near Iran
Satellite images show that seven vessels making up the strike group of this aircraft carrier are identifiable, including the Roosevelt itself, its escort destroyer, and other support vessels. With the entry of the Theodore Roosevelt into the operational area, the number of U.S. aircraft carriers stationed near Iran will reach three. Currently, two aircraft carriers, USS George Washington and USS George H.W. Bush, are operating in the CENTCOM area.
Two U.S. officials indicated on October 20 that the Pentagon will deploy the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East. This transfer is due to the concentration of U.S. military equipment and logistics in the region, amid reports of a potential renewed military attack by the U.S. on Iran in recent days.
In this context, Russia has also warned that signs of U.S. planning for military action against Iran are concerning. In contrast, China has expressed support for a diplomatic solution, stating that Iran has the backing of this country to protect its sovereignty and security.
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