The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group is expected to depart the Middle East in coming days, a U.S. official confirmed Wednesday, even as the Iran war’s estimated cost reached $25 billion and President Trump discussed the conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Ford, deployed since last June and one of three carriers in the region, will begin heading home as the six-week conflict shows no clear resolution path. The departure suggests either confidence in remaining force posture or strategic repositioning amid stalled negotiations and indefinite ceasefire extension.
Trump told reporters he spoke with Putin about the war, with the Russian leader reiterating his offer to assist in removing Iran’s enriched uranium from the country. The proposal aligns with Trump’s core demand for complete Iranian nuclear stockpile surrender, though Tehran has consistently rejected transfer to any foreign power.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced his first congressional questioning since the war’s February 28 launch, with Pentagon officials confirming $25 billion in costs to date. The figure encompasses military operations, munitions expenditure, and force deployment across multiple theaters including naval blockade enforcement and air campaign operations.
The carrier withdrawal occurs as oil prices remain elevated above $112 per barrel, the comprehensive port blockade continues inflicting approximately $400 million daily losses on Iran, and Israel-Hezbollah fighting persists in Lebanon. Whether the Ford’s departure signals de-escalation intent or rotational necessity remains unclear as administration officials maintain readiness for renewed combat if diplomacy fails.
U.S. Carrier to Exit Mideast as War Costs Hit $25 Billion
USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group departing Middle East as Iran war costs reach $25 billion. Trump discussed conflict with Putin who offered uranium removal assistance, while Hegseth faced first congressional questioning since February 28 war launch.
