US-Iran war ending or escalating? USS Gerald R Ford to head home from Middle East as Trump weighs fresh strikes on Iran

The USS Gerald R Ford is set to depart the Middle East in the coming days, according to reports by The Washington Post and CBS News, a move that will reduce the United States military presence in the region as tensions with Iran continue and diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

The withdrawal of the carrier strike group is expected to bring relief to nearly 4,500 sailors after more than 10 months at sea and will reduce significant US naval firepower in the region. The development comes as the Trump administration maintains it does not require congressional approval for ongoing military actions, citing the ceasefire as pausing the 60 day War Powers timeline.

Officials cited by The Washington Post said the Ford is likely to return to its home base in Virginia around mid May. Its withdrawal comes as US President Donald Trump has declined to lift the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz and is considering additional military options.

As of Wednesday, the Ford had been deployed for 309 days, marking the longest deployment for any modern US aircraft carrier. Typical deployments last six to seven months.

The extended mission has taken a toll on both the vessel and its crew. The ship underwent repairs following a laundry room fire that injured sailors. It also faced repeated technical issues, including problems with onboard sanitation systems. It is expected to undergo extensive maintenance upon its return.

Current deployments and blockade operations

The Ford, currently in the Red Sea, is one of three US aircraft carriers deployed amid tensions with Iran, alongside the USS George H.W. Bush and the USS Abraham Lincoln. The latter two are operating in the Arabian Sea and enforcing a US blockade targeting vessels transporting oil or goods from Iranian ports.

US naval forces have deployed more than a dozen warships across multiple theatres as part of the blockade. In the Arabian Sea, US forces have reportedly intercepted dozens of vessels suspected of carrying Iranian oil or cargo. According to The Washington Post, 39 vessels have been turned back, boarded, or seized, including the inspection of the MV Blue Star earlier this week.

The blockade remains Washington’s primary tool to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb its nuclear ambitions, even as talks between the two sides have shown little progress.

The carrier was initially deployed from Naval Station Norfolk in June for operations in Europe before being redirected to support US actions in the Caribbean, including enforcement measures against Venezuela. Its deployment was later extended and shifted to the Middle East to support US operations linked to the Iran conflict.

Lawmakers question extended deployment

At a congressional hearing, lawmakers raised concerns over the prolonged deployment. Representative Gil Cisneros questioned the decision and asked what trade offs were being made.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the extension, stating that the decision followed a thorough process conducted in consultation with the Navy.

Amid ongoing operations, Hegseth said the administration does not currently require congressional authorisation for military actions related to Iran. He argued that the ceasefire pauses the timeline under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, though Senator Tim Kaine disputed this interpretation and raised legal concerns.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand questioned public support for the conflict, while Hegseth said he believes such support exists and noted the conflict began two months ago. Gillibrand countered that there is no evidence the US is safer as a result of the war.

Trump defends operations and pressure campaign

US President Donald Trump said the ongoing actions should be viewed as a military operation rather than a formal war and asserted that Iran is seeking a deal. He said the blockade is weakening Iran’s economy and expressed hope for a resolution soon.

Trump also claimed that US actions have significantly reduced Iran’s military capabilities, including its naval, air, drone and missile capacities.