USA deploys third aircraft carrier and 2,000 Marines toward Iran.

The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier and over 2,000 Marines to waters around Iran, according to a U.S. official speaking to Al Jazeera. The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the Makin Island amphibious force have departed San Diego headed for the region.

Meanwhile, the British organization UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that a 2.5 million barrel supertanker was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire. The full military deployment, which will include three aircraft carriers and two amphibious groups, is expected to be completed by November.

The crisis between the United States and Iran has been ongoing for at least eight months, in a conflict that also involves Israel. The tension stems from a series of mutual attacks and the issue of Iran's nuclear program, against which there are seven UN Security Council resolutions.

Iran recently proposed, through Qatar, a seven-day roadmap to reopen the Strait of Hormuz (a crucial route for oil) and resume nuclear negotiations, in exchange for an end to the American naval blockade, a reduction of sanctions, and a regional ceasefire. President Trump rejected this proposal, maintaining military and economic pressure with new sanctions.

Washington is now concentrating forces in the region, including about 50,000 troops already present, to keep military options "on the table" regardless of the outcome of diplomacy. The Pentagon does not plan to withdraw resources even if an agreement is reached with Tehran.