The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest U.S. aircraft carrier in the world, docked in Crete to refuel before deploying to the Middle East, amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran.
The aircraft carrier arrived in Souda Bay, as revealed in photos published by Reuters.
The arrival of the Gerald Ford in the Eastern Mediterranean is seen as a key indicator of when a possible American attack on Iran could begin.
The carrier is considered one of the most powerful naval assets in the U.S. arsenal, both because of the number of aircraft it carries and the advanced defensive systems it incorporates.
On February 20, the vessel was at the Strait of Gibraltar and was expected to arrive at the port of Souda by Tuesday.
According to a report broadcast by MEGA Channel, the carrier will remain in Souda for four days for resupply and then sail toward Israel, where it is expected to arrive within two days to take up a combat position.
While U.S. military forces are reportedly prepared to deploy nearly 400 fighter aircraft in a potential strike against Iran, Tehran appears to be rapidly rearming and upgrading its defense systems and capabilities.
On Sunday evening, the Financial Times reported that Tehran has allegedly reached a €500 million agreement with Moscow for the supply of thousands of advanced missiles.
This information follows ongoing threats by Iran against the White House regarding the destruction of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is operating off the coast of Oman, approximately 700 kilometers from Iran.
info from Reuters, Financial Times
