US officials have indicated that appeals from various stakeholders influenced the decision to focus on economic pressure rather than military action. There are concerns regarding the potential use of Saudi airspace for military operations, as the US would need Riyadh’s approval, which seems conditional upon guarantees for the protection of its oil facilities.
In line with this tense geopolitical situation, the US is ramping up military presence in the Middle East. The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its strike group are en route to the region, with an expected arrival around mid-November. Additionally, the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, carrying thousands of Marines, has also set sail and is slated to arrive by the end of November.
A spokesperson for US Central Command, Capt. Tim Hawkins, refrained from commenting on these developments. While it remains unclear whether the new carrier deployment will replace an existing one or add to the current number, there is speculation about the US potentially maintaining three carrier strike groups in the region.
