The US is sending a third aircraft-carrier strike group to the Middle East, the biggest American naval buildup there in months. Here is what the move means.

Three carriers in the region gives Washington far more strike power and air cover. More than 50,000 US troops are already deployed, with about 20 Navy ships escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important oil chokepoint. US-Iran talks to end the war and reopen the strait remain deadlocked, keeping global oil supplies tight.

The buildup follows the collapse of a fragile US-Iran ceasefire that had briefly paused fighting. The two sides have clashed sporadically since.

President Trump has said he could resume bombing Iran after the November midterm elections if no deal is reached. For now, the carriers are positioned as leverage — and a warning.

The situation remains fluid. Further escalation could roil energy markets and shipping lanes across the region.