In reversal, Pentagon orders aircraft carrier to remain in Middle East to deter Iran

The acting US defense secretary cited Iranian leaders' threats against President Donald Trump and other US officials in the order for the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to remain in the Middle East.
AT SEA - JANUARY 18: A U.S. Navy helicopter descends to land on the flight deck of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) aircraft carrier while at sea on January 18, 2020 off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. The USS Nimitz is currently conducting routine operations and training at sea. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier holds a flight deck area of 4.5 acres and can hold 65 aircraft along with nearly 5,000 total personnel. It is the oldest U.S. Navy carrier in active service and was commissioned on May 3, 1975. (Ph
A US Navy helicopter descends to land on the flight deck of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) aircraft carrier while at sea on Jan. 18, 2020, off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. - Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Jared Szuba
@JM_Szuba

The Pentagon ordered the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to remain in the Middle East on Sunday, citing threats by Iranian leaders against President Donald Trump and other US officials.

Acting US Defense Secretary Christopher Miller’s decision reverses an order he issued just three days prior, overruling top Central Command officials to bring the ship home in a de-escalatory gesture toward Iran. While in the region, the Nimitz also lent support to the ongoing US troop drawdown from Somalia that began last month.

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