The US State Department has launched an unusual multi-country evacuation operation, using charter flights and ground transportation to help American citizens stranded in Iran, Israel, Egypt, Bahrain, and Iraq depart, while waiving related travel expenses. US embassies issued strongly worded notices, urging citizens in Iran to leave immediately and prepare to depart independently if charter flights are not available.
Three Carriers in the Middle East, 6,000 Troops
Military movements are tightening simultaneously. According to the Washington Post, the USS George H.W. Bush arrived in the CENTCOM area on the 23rd, joining the USS Gerald R. Ford (Red Sea) and the USS Abraham Lincoln (already in the region), forming three carrier strike groups in the Middle East. The Bush strike group includes three destroyers (Ross, Donald Cook, Mason) and a fast combat support ship (Arctic), with a total of about 6,000 personnel.
Deploying three carrier strike groups simultaneously in the Middle East is a rare signal, historically seen before major deterrence or war preparation phases.
Iranian sources had previously suggested a possible breakthrough in US-Iran talks, but Tehran rejected Friday negotiations and condemned the blockade as an act of war. The US has hinted at resuming a second round of talks as early as Friday. The situation remains highly uncertain.