The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has left the Middle East after participating in operations against Iran, local media reported citing US officials. Its departure leaves two carriers – the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush – still stationed in the region. The Ford had been deployed for more than 10 months, breaking the post‑Vietnam War record for a US aircraft carrier deployment. During its mission, the Ford Carrier Strike Group operated across multiple theaters, beginning in June 2025 from Virginia under the US European Command, later conducting counter‑narcotics operations in Latin America before moving to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran. The deployment also saw incidents such as a fire in the main laundry spaces in March that injured two sailors, highlighting the strain of extended operations.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump told lawmakers that the war against Iran has “terminated” as the 60‑day legal deadline under the War Powers Resolution expired. In a letter to congressional leaders, he noted there had been no exchange of fire since April 7 and declared that hostilities launched on February 28 had ended. Trump’s statement comes amid debate over the need for Congressional approval of military action, with the administration having formally notified Congress on March 2. While emphasizing that Iran’s leadership is fragmented and its military weakened, Trump said negotiations remain uncertain and warned he is “not satisfied” with current proposals. He stressed a preference for diplomacy but kept military action on the table, outlining a choice between pursuing a deal or resuming force.