The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, accompanied by an escorting destroyer, was spotted off Gibraltar on Friday, February 20, according to images shared on social media.
Reuters confirmed the aircraft carrier’s identity by comparing its design with existing file images of the USS Gerald R. Ford. Another ship in the photos matched file imagery of U.S. destroyers, though its exact name could not be verified. The location was confirmed using the distinctive shape of surrounding mountains and road layout, which corresponded with satellite imagery. Metadata from the original files verified the date the photos were taken.
The sighting coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump stating that he is considering a limited military strike against Iran.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, marking the second aircraft carrier deployed to the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Tehran, was first reported on February 12. The USS Abraham Lincoln, along with several guided-missile destroyers, had already arrived in the region in January.
Iran's foreign minister said on Friday he expected to have a draft counterproposal ready within days following nuclear talks this week as U.S. President Donald Trump said he was considering limited military strikes.
Two U.S. officials told Reuters that U.S. military planning on Iran has reached an advanced stage, with options including targeting individuals as part of an attack and even pursuing leadership change in Tehran, if ordered by Trump.
(With inputs from agencies)
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