Trump sends second aircraft carrier to Middle East as Iran nuclear threats grow
USS Harry S. Truman joins USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as Iran tensions escalate
USS Harry S. Truman joins USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as Iran tensions escalate
The USS Harry S
Truman carrier strike group deployed to the Middle East on Feb. 13, 2026
It joins the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, giving the U.S. two carrier strike groups in the region simultaneously.
Essential concepts and terms to understand this topic
Constitutional duty requiring federal defense of states from foreign attack
The President's exclusive power to recognize foreign governments and their territorial claims.
President's chief foreign policy advisor who leads the State Department
A foreign policy strategy using military threats and force as leverage to compel an adversary to accept diplomatic terms.
Written presidential authorization required before the CIA can conduct covert operations abroad.

President
Ordered carrier deployment and publicly threatened strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Secretary of Defense
Signed deployment orders and briefed Congress on military options against Iran.

U.S. Representative (D-CA)
Introduced legislation requiring congressional authorization for war with Iran.
Supreme Leader of Iran
Warned attacks would trigger regional retaliation against U.S. bases.

House Speaker (R-LA)
Said he won't bring Khanna's bill to the floor, supports Trump's Iran policy.
True
Two carriers in region signals preparation for major operations
True
Iranian forces killed over 2,500 protesters since January
True
Khanna bill has 67 Democratic co-sponsors, no Republican support
Contact your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 1847 requiring congressional authorization for Iran military action. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121.
Support organizations opposing unauthorized war: Win Without War, National Iranian American Council, Quincy Institute.
Monitor Defense Department via FOIA requests about Iran military planning. Submit at foia.defense.gov.