Geopolitics · Friday, 23 October 2026
US sends third carrier to Gulf, Iran vows "100 percent certain" response if strikes resume
The US has deployed a third aircraft carrier to the Gulf, its largest naval and air presence there since the 2003 Iraq invasion, and Iran has warned that any strikes after November's US midterm elections would draw a response it called "100 percent certain." Seven oil tankers were damaged or caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, and French President Macron urged "extreme caution" during a Gulf tour meant to calm the tension.