US sends another warship to Middle East amid Iran tensions: Report

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US has dispatched another warship to the Middle East after President Donald Trump said a "massive armada" was moving toward Iran, CBS reported Thursday.

The network identified the warship as the USS Delbert D. Black, an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer.

Other US vessels now in the US Central Command’s area of responsibility include the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, the destroyers USS Spruance, USS Murphy, USS Frank E. Petersen, USS McFaul and USS Mitscher and littoral combat ships USS Canberra, USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara, according to CBS.

The Pentagon is rapidly deploying the carrier strike group, advanced fighter squadrons and missile defense batteries in a significant shift of regional force posture amid heightened tensions with Tehran.

Trump reiterated Wednesday that a "massive armada" is headed to Iran, expressing hope that Tehran will "come to the table" and negotiate with Washington.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that Washington is prepared to use "all options" to prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons while emphasizing that room remains for a diplomatic deal.

The influx of firepower follows reports that US military officials deemed the theater "not ready" for a major confrontation earlier in January.

The Iranian army has warned that any attack will be met with a "decisive and swift response" as tensions escalate sharply.