3 US carriers in Middle East with 200+ aircraft

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed three US Navy aircraft carrier strike groups are now operating simultaneously in the Middle East for the first time since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The combined force represents a massive concentration of naval and air power, with over 200 aircraft and thousands of personnel. This deployment underscores the heightened US military posture in the region amid ongoing tensions with Iran and its proxies. The last time three carriers were present was during the initial invasion of Iraq over two decades ago.