The US could have three-and-a-half aircraft carriers off Iran within two weeks

The Trump administration on Monday announced the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group’s deployment to the Persian Gulf. But that only represents one element of growing U.S. naval-air power near Iran.

First off, the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group is already in the Persian Gulf. Centered around the highly capable 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, this group is supported by aging but deadly-for-Iran Harrier jump jets. This capability will grow when the Harriers are soon replaced with F-35B fighter jets.