US aircraft arrive in Israel as Iran calls Washington's response weak
Mediators from Qatar, Russia, and China failed to break a deadlock, and the USS Theodore Roosevelt is en route to the Middle East.
By Paul Davidson ·
Three US aircraft carriers will likely operate in the Middle East next week, a level of naval presence not seen in previous regional operations. The buildup follows a breakdown in negotiations between Washington and Tehran, which two regional sources described as stuck. Mediators from Qatar, Russia, and China attempted to secure a breakthrough in recent days to prevent a potential American military strike, but the efforts have stalled.
Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, detailed the impasse on X on Tuesday. He stated that the United States’ response to Iran’s rights and demands was not convincing. Rezaei noted that he recently received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance. He emphasized that Washington must provide a full and explicit response to Iran’s seven conditions before the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.
The Iranian demands include a complete cessation of war in Gaza and Lebanon, the lifting of all sanctions, and the return of frozen assets. Tehran also seeks compensation for war damages, international guarantees against future attacks, and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Rezaei positioned these conditions as the baseline for any future diplomatic progress.
On the military front, US forces continue to reinforce the region. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 shows several military cargo aircraft departing Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, arriving at bases in Israel. Fort Bliss serves as a major center for air and missile defense command and training. The base houses missile interceptors and air defense systems, and additional cargo aircraft from the same location have landed in Israel in recent days.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its strike group were tracked near the Strait of Malacca in Asia. The carrier is expected to reach the US Central Command area of responsibility by next week. This movement would add to existing naval assets, potentially bringing the total number of US aircraft carriers in the Middle East to three.
US officials told The New York Times that Central Command prepared plans for strikes against Iran as early as Wednesday, following the US midterm elections. The decision to carry out the strike rests with the US president.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
