What does the arrival of the USS Carl Vinson mean for Iran? U.S. reinforces military might

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered additional forces to be stationed in the Middle East, including the carrier Carl Vinson Fighter Group and other aircraft. The move comes at the same time as the continued US attacks against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and in light of the escalation of tensions over Iran's nuclear program.

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is expected to arrive in the region after completing exercises in the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, the Defense Department is extending the duration of the stay of the aircraft carrier group Harry S. Truman in the Middle East, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Tuesday.

The simultaneous deployment of two aircraft carriers is a repetition of the Biden administration's show of force last year, although while the Republican administration is constantly attacking the Houthis, the Biden administration has made do with isolated and targeted attacks, with no casualties or almost casualties.

"The Secretary of Defense continues to make clear that if Iran or its proxies threaten U.S. personnel and interests in the region, the United States will act resolutely to protect its personnel," the spokesperson said.

The Pentagon reported that it had also strengthened U.S. military capabilities in the region by sending additional fighter jets, though it did not specify which planes were involved or exactly where they were sent. However, U.S. officials confirmed reports that six B-2 bombers were transferred last week to a joint U.S.-British military base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

The stealth bombers, capable of carrying the heaviest bombs in the U.S. arsenal, are now strategically positioned to operate in the Middle East, which is a clear warning sign for Iran.

Although they were used to attack underground Houthi targets in Yemen, experts point out that this is an excessive use of these targets, which are not buried very deeply. However, the B-2 bomber is equipped to carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, which experts estimate may be aimed against Iran's nuclear infrastructure.