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America's Operation Epic Fury against Iran has significantly strained military readiness, deploying a vast array of naval, air, and missile-defense assets. With two of three aircraft carriers at sea and a third of Arleigh Burke destroyers committed, the US faces long-term readiness concerns. This extensive commitment, while projecting overwhelming force, highlights the risks of strategic overextension.

The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is heading home from the Middle East after an extended 10-month deployment, reducing US naval power amid ongoing Iran tensions. This withdrawal, despite stalled diplomatic efforts and continued blockade enforcement, marks the longest deployment for a modern US carrier, raising concerns about crew and vessel readiness.

Iran's Navy commander warns of a new, feared weapon soon to be unveiled, amid escalating US-Israel tensions. He claims Iranian forces conducted missile strikes on a US aircraft carrier and launched numerous reprisal attacks, while tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz. The commander also accused US forces of piracy and hostage-taking.

Over 10,000 additional US troops are deploying to the Middle East this month, including personnel aboard the USS George HW Bush and the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group. This build-up coincides with the potential end of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, as planning for ground operations, including securing enriched uranium, is under way.

Senior US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan for crucial talks with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi to revive negotiations amid escalating regional tensions. The diplomatic initiative aims to address Tehran's nuclear program and ease global market volatility. Despite overtures, the situation remains volatile with ongoing conflicts impacting vital shipping lanes.

Vance, Rubio On Standby To Follow, If Needed

As the United States Navy is tasked to blockade Iranian ports, it is likely to look towards the work horse of its surface fleet, the Arleigh Burke-Class destroyers. These ships have been in US naval service since they entered service in 1991. The ships if this class were at the forefront of offensive operations against Iraq and Syria. The ships were also in the thick of the action during the missile and drone offensive against international shipping and against Israel.

US forces have imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, halting all maritime trade in and out of the country. Over 10,000 personnel and numerous warships are enforcing the operation, impacting vessels of all nations. This move escalates regional tensions, with global energy markets already feeling the strain.

Following failed talks, the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially costing Iran $435 million daily in economic damage, primarily from lost oil and petrochemical exports. This move, aimed at pressuring Iran, could also impact China's energy imports and requires significant US naval commitment to enforce.

Iran's IRGC Navy claimed to have struck the uss abraham lincoln with ballistic missiles, rendering it non-operational. However, the US has denied this, stating the carrier continues its operations. Separately, a US Navy vessel reportedly fired on an Iranian ship that approached the Abraham Lincoln, with the Iranian vessel's status unknown.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticized U.S. messaging on the regional conflict, comparing it to discredited Vietnam War briefings. He cited discrepancies between U.S. claims of victory and events like an F-35 being downed and U.S. aircraft carriers repositioning, suggesting a detached-from-reality narrative.

US President Trump claimed that Iran is "about to surrender" during a G7 call earlier this week, while describing Iran regime as removing a "cancer." Amidst escalating regional strikes, Iran reportedly targeted the uss abraham lincoln, though the US denied the incident. CENTCOM confirmed the carrier strike group's ongoing support for operations.

President Trump has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford to move from the Caribbean to the Middle East, joining the uss abraham lincoln. This deployment escalates the US military presence in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran.