US sends third aircraft carrier to Middle East amid Iran strike talk

In October 2026, the United States is sending a third aircraft carrier with about 10,000 troops to the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has renewed threats of strikes on Iran and said new strikes after the midterm elections are possible as ceasefire talks stall. Trump said Iran would be hit "very hard" if it is linked to an attempted plane crash. He also said Iranian nuclear sites hit in the operation Midnight Hammer were also "drug factories".