Iran issues direct threats to USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group in the region

Iran issued direct threats against the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group on March 16, the Jerusalem Post reported at 10:40 AM Israel time (08:40 UTC), citing Reuters. The threat was directed at the carrier strike group operating in the region in support of US-Israeli operations against Iran. The USS Gerald Ford (CVN-78) is the US Navy's most capable carrier, leading a strike group that includes cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. Its presence in the region has been integral to the US-Israeli campaign. An Iranian attack on a US carrier would constitute an unprecedented escalation — the last time a US carrier was attacked in combat was World War II. The threat comes as Iran's foreign minister signalled openness to Hormuz diplomacy while the IRGC simultaneously escalates strike tempo across the Gulf. Trump had earlier declared Iran's air defenses 'completely gone' and military 'decimated' — the Ford threat represents Iran's counter-signalling that it retains offensive capability.