USS Gerald R. Ford leaves Middle East after record Iran deployment
Synopsis
The USS Gerald R. Ford has left the Middle East after a record-breaking 10-month deployment and operations against Iran, as President Trump declares hostilities 'terminated' — just as a 60-day War Powers Resolution deadline expires. Two US carriers remain in the region even as Trump signals dissatisfaction with Iran's negotiating position.
Key Takeaways
Ford has departed the Middle East after more than 10 months at sea, breaking the post-Vietnam War carrier deployment record.
Two US carriers — USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W.
Bush — remain in the region.
President Trump declared that hostilities with Iran, which began on 28 February 2026 , have
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has departed the Middle East following its participation in operations against Iran, according to local media reports citing a US official. The withdrawal leaves two American carriers — the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS George H.W. Bush — still positioned in the region.
A Record-Breaking Deployment
The Ford Carrier Strike Group began its latest deployment on 24 June 2025, departing from the US state of Virginia for the US European Command area of responsibility. The carrier subsequently moved to Latin America for counter-narcotics operations before heading to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalated.
By the time of its departure, the Ford had been at sea for more than 10 months, reportedly breaking the post-Vietnam War record for a US aircraft carrier deployment. Notably, on 12 March, two sailors aboard the vessel were injured when a fire broke out in the main laundry spaces, according to the US Navy.
Trump Declares Hostilities 'Terminated'
The carrier's departure coincides with President Donald Trump informing lawmakers that the war against Iran has
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the USS Gerald R. Ford left the Middle East?
The USS Gerald R. Ford departed the Middle East after participating in operations against Iran, having been at sea for more than 10 months — breaking the post-Vietnam War record for a US carrier deployment. Its withdrawal coincides with President Trump declaring that hostilities with Iran have terminated.
How many US aircraft carriers remain in the Middle East?
Two US aircraft carriers — the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS George H.W. Bush — remain in the Middle East following the Ford's departure.
What is the War Powers Resolution and why does it matter here?
The War Powers Resolution, adopted in 1973, requires the US president to terminate military action within 60 days of notifying Congress, unless lawmakers authorise its continuation. Trump's declaration that hostilities have 'terminated' comes exactly at that 60-day legal deadline, reportedly to quell a Congressional dispute over approval for the conflict.
What did Trump say about ongoing negotiations with Iran?
Trump told reporters he is 'not satisfied' with current proposals from Iran, while keeping both diplomacy and military options on the table. He described Iran's leadership as fragmented, saying they are 'very disjointed' and marked by internal divisions that complicate talks.
When did the Ford Carrier Strike Group's latest deployment begin?
The Ford Carrier Strike Group began its latest deployment on 24 June 2025, departing from Virginia. It served in the US European Command area, then Latin America for counter-narcotics operations, before deploying to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran.
