US Deploys Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz Over Iran-Israel Conflict
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The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier USS Nimitz departed the South China Sea Monday morning, canceling a planned port call in central Vietnam as it changed course westward toward the Middle East.
At the same time, over 30 U.S. Air Force aerial-refueling tankers took off from American bases, heading east across the Atlantic. Officials have described some of these movements as routine or related to NATO exercises in Europe. The U.S. State Department has denied any direct U.S. involvement in Israeli airstrikes against Iran and emphasized that U.S. support for Israel is limited to defensive measures.
Newsweek has reached out to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iran's foreign ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
The repositioning of U.S. military assets comes as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its fourth day, after Israel launched strikes on Iranian territory last week. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli cities, with civilian casualties reported on both sides. The U.S. is moving forces to safeguard its personnel and prepare for potential escalation as the conflict deepens.
The U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz departs a naval base in Busan, South Korea, Sunday, April 2, 2023.
The U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz departs a naval base in Busan, South Korea, Sunday, April 2, 2023.
Cha Geun-ho/AP Photo
What to Know
The USS Nimitz was scheduled to visit Danang City, Vietnam, later this week. However, a formal reception set for June 20 was canceled due to an "emergent operational requirement," according to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. The aircraft carrier had recently completed maritime security operations in the South China Sea as part of what the U.S. Pacific Fleet described as the Navy's "routine presence in the Indo-Pacific."
Following the cancellation, ship tracking data confirmed the vessel was moving west toward the Middle East. The map shows the latest confirmed position of the Nimitz.
Massive U.S. Tanker Deployment
Meanwhile, more than 30 KC-135 and KC-46 aerial-refueling aircraft departed U.S. bases early Monday, crossing the Atlantic, according to data from Flightradar24.com. Such tankers are required to refuel aircraft participating in strikes far away from their home country, such as the Israeli jets hitting Iran.
However, U.S. officials stated that the tankers may participate in a scheduled NATO exercise in Europe. The State Department has instructed American diplomats to reassure host governments that the U.S. is not supporting Israeli air operations in Iran, and has not provided any refueling assistance to Israeli aircraft. The department also emphasized that U.S. support for Israel remains limited to defensive measures.
Whoa, a major military airlift appears to now be underway, as an unprecedented number of U.S. Air Force KC-135 and KC-46 Aerial-Refueling Tankers have departed from airbases across the United States and appear to be preparing to cross the Atlantic towards Europe. pic.twitter.com/4wZyL5g9ox — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 16, 2025
Iran Says US Complicit
At a Monday press conference, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei accused the U.S. of complicity in Israel's attack on Iran, saying, "the American policymakers are part of this act of aggression." He said the strikes used U.S.-supplied weapons and called the attack a violation of international norms. Baqaei added Washington's involvement has "practically made" negotiations with Tehran meaningless and urged the U.S. to acknowledge the aggression.
Smoke rises from an oil storage facility after it appeared to have been struck by an Israeli strike on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, Monday, June 16, 2025.
Smoke rises from an oil storage facility after it appeared to have been struck by an Israeli strike on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, Monday, June 16, 2025.
Vahid Salemi/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei: "The American policymakers are part of this act of aggression."
What Happens Next
The redeployment of the USS Nimitz toward the Middle East and the movement of aerial-refueling tankers underscore the U.S. military's heightened state of readiness amid the escalating war between Iran and Israel.
This development coincides with the ongoing G7 summit, where leaders are discussing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if American assets are targeted, while reaffirming support for Israel's right to self-defense.
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