US Aircraft Carrier Gerald R. Ford Exits Middle East
The USS Gerald R. Ford wraps up its historic deployment, marking key milestones and challenges in global operations.
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has departed the Middle East following its involvement in operations against Iran, according to reports citing a US official. The carrier’s departure leaves two US aircraft carriers in the region — the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush.
Having spent more than 10 months at sea, the USS Gerald R. Ford broke the post-Vietnam War record for the longest deployment of a US aircraft carrier. Its latest deployment began on June 24, 2025, when it embarked from Virginia and headed to the US European Command area of responsibility, later shifting to Latin America for counter-narcotics operations before reaching the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran.
During its deployment, the carrier also faced setbacks. On March 12, a fire broke out in the laundry facilities onboard, injuring two sailors, according to the US Navy.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump informed lawmakers that hostilities against Iran have ceased, marking the end of a military action that was initiated without Congressional approval. “There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7, 2026,” Trump stated in a letter to congressional leaders, adding, “The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.”
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must discontinue military action within 60 days after notifying Congress of the use of force unless Congress grants authorization to proceed. Reports suggest the decision to end hostilities was an attempt to resolve debate over Congressional approval for the conflict.
Despite the cessation of military action, Trump highlighted uncertainties in negotiations with Iran, expressing dissatisfaction with the current proposals. “They want to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied with it, so we’ll see what happens,” he told reporters before boarding Marine One. He described Iran’s leadership as fragmented, noting internal divisions as a factor undermining Tehran’s position in ongoing talks.
“They all want to make a deal, but they’re all messed up,” Trump said, adding that Iran’s leaders are “not getting along with each other” and do not have a clear leader, which he argued complicates negotiations.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.