Aircraft carrier Bush leaves Norfolk base at end of March [AP Yonhap News]

The US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush, carrying 6,000 troops, will soon arrive in the Middle East, the US daily Washington Post (WP) reported on the 15th (local time).

The WP stated that the Bush will reach the Middle East around the 21st, when the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran ends, bringing the total number of aircraft carriers in the Middle East to three, including the existing Abraham Lincoln and Gerald R. Ford.

The Bush, which departed from Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia on the 31st of last month, was reported to have passed near the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa the previous day.

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, carrying 4,200 personnel from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is also scheduled to arrive in the Middle East by the end of this month.

US officials said the Donald Trump administration is also considering ground operations against Iran or further airstrikes in case the ceasefire is not maintained.

The WP reported that discussions include special forces operations to export Iran's nuclear materials or amphibious operations to open the Strait of Hormuz and secure Hargh Island.

Retired US Navy Admiral James Foggo pointed out that the arrival of additional troops will strengthen pressure on Iran, while military leaders, including US Central Command Commander Bradley Cooper, will have more options available in case negotiations fail.

He explained, "Having more means gives us more options," adding that additional reserve forces are being deployed to prepare for a worsening situation.

The Trump administration agreed to a two-week ceasefire and is engaged in negotiations. The first talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the 11th broke down, and reports suggest that the US and Iran may return to the negotiating table as early as this week.

It remains uncertain whether negotiations will be concluded within the ceasefire period due to significant differences between the US and Iran on key issues such as the prohibition of nuclear weapons possession and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides may extend the ceasefire and continue negotiations, or President Trump could resume military operations if he deems further negotiations meaningless.