CENTCOM deploys 20 US warships, two aircraft carriers toward Iran after Trump's blockade threat

TEHRAN, IRAN: The United States has expanded its naval presence near Iran, with more than 20 US Navy warships now operating across the Middle East and two aircraft carriers moving into the Gulf of Oman as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

The deployment follows President Donald Trump's warning that he could reinstate a naval blockade on Iranian ports after accusing Tehran of violating a recently signed memorandum of understanding. The buildup comes as both countries continue indirect diplomatic contacts through regional mediators despite the collapse of the ceasefire framework.

CENTCOM deploys more than 20 US warships near Iran

Maritime trackers on Friday, July 10, identified the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H W Bush entering the Gulf of Oman, placing the carrier strike groups closer to Iranian territory. Military analysts said such positioning would be consistent with preparations needed to enforce a renewed maritime blockade if ordered.

"More than 20 US Navy warships are patrolling waters across the Middle East as CENTCOM forces continue promoting regional security and stability," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.

When asked whether the United States was preparing to restore the blockade on Iranian ports, CENTCOM declined to comment, citing "operational updates." Retired Rear Adm Mark Montgomery, now a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defending Democracies, said the movement reflected standard military planning.

"I think forces move in and out, but generally as we get ships ready for blockade and support for strait transits, ships will get closer to Iranian threat," Montgomery told The New York Post.

US and Iran continue indirect talks despite ceasefire collapse

Alongside the military buildup, indirect diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain underway through regional mediators. A source familiar with the discussions said a Qatari delegation concluded meetings in Iran on Friday, July 10, aimed at reducing tensions.

"Qatari mediators have departed Iran after traveling there in coordination with the US, in an effort to de-escalate the situation," the source said. "Officials from Iran will also travel to Oman on Saturday (July 11) for talks on the Strait of Hormuz, including issues around shipping lanes that cross their territorial waters."

Trump confirmed Friday that the United States had agreed to continue talks with Iran while maintaining that the ceasefire arrangement had effectively ended.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!" he wrote on Truth Social.

 Trump has also instructed Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue diplomatic efforts.

The latest military deployments follow days of military exchanges after Washington accused Iran's Revolutionary Guards of attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, an incident US officials say breached the memorandum of understanding signed less than three weeks ago.