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12 Feb 2026, 14:34

Forwarded from channel 3544445948

Donald Trump just reposted this report from yesterday's Wall Street Journal on Truth Social:

Wall Street Journal: Pentagon on standby to deploy second aircraft carrier; Trump’s leverage ahead of negotiations with Tehran

The Wall Street Journal revealed in an exclusive report, citing American officials, that the Pentagon has ordered its second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare for deployment to the Middle East. This move comes as the U.S. military readies itself for a potential attack on the Islamic Republic. According to the report, although President Trump has not yet issued an official deployment order and has expressed a preference for reaching a "deal," the positioning of these forces is aimed at being prepared in case negotiations with the Iranian government fail.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Donald Trump raised the issue of deploying a second aircraft carrier to the region as an option for readiness in the event of failed negotiations on Tuesday. According to official sources, the deployment order could be issued within hours, although plans may change depending on the progress of talks. If confirmed, the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, currently completing military exercises off the coast of Virginia, will likely join the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is already in the region, within two weeks.

The authors of this report emphasize that this aircraft carrier has the capability to launch and recover strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare aircraft, including the naval version of the stealth fighter F-35. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that any potential military strike inside Iran would likely utilize stealth aircraft such as the F-35, F-22, and B-2 bombers. The simultaneous deployment of two aircraft carriers to the Middle East is unprecedented since the battle against Houthi rebels in March 2025 and indicates a significant increase in U.S. firepower in the region in recent weeks.

In another part of the article, Trump's diplomatic meetings are mentioned. On Wednesday, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss the ongoing negotiations with Tehran. After the meeting, Trump announced on social media that he told Netanyahu his priority is to reach a deal, but if negotiations fail, "we'll have to see what the outcome will be." According to the Wall Street Journal, after Trump backed away from a retaliatory strike in mid-January in response to the Iranian government's severe crackdown on protesters, he has asked the military to prepare "more decisive" and final options for him.

The authors conclude by quoting Trump, noting that he is in no rush when dealing with the Tehran government. He emphasized, by comparing the current situation to the Venezuela case, that "we have plenty of time" and described the deployment of forces as a move to be in the "right position," while also referencing the progress of ongoing talks.

Wall Street Journal

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