US Weighs Deploying Up to Three Carrier Strike Groups, Nearly 20,000 Troops to Middle East by November

US officials told The Washington Post on Thursday, October 1, 2026, that the US military is planning a possible increase in its naval presence in the Middle East over the coming weeks. Speaking anonymously, the officials said the move follows President Donald Trump's consideration of resuming potential strikes on Iran after the US congressional midterm elections, and centers on deploying up to three aircraft carriers with their escort ships to the region in November. According to the report, carried by Mehr News Agency, the carrier strike groups would together include nearly 20,000 troops, up to 150 fighter jets, and a number of missile-capable destroyers. The report adds fresh detail to Al Jazeera's October 1 coverage of a US plan to deploy three aircraft carriers to the region by the end of November. US officials said roughly 50,000 American troops are currently stationed in the Middle East.