Baghdad: The US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz has reportedly vanished from ship tracking systems after turning off its transponder while en route to the Middle East.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the disappearance was noted by the Russian news agency Novosti, which cited data from a maritime traffic monitoring website. The last recorded coordinates placed the USS Nimitz in waters between Malaysia and Indonesia, traveling northwest at a speed of 19 knots. The carrier’s last signal was recorded on June 17, with its final destination remaining undisclosed.

It is speculated that the carrier’s battle group could be heading towards the Gulf region. This movement follows the US Department of Defense’s announcement regarding the deployment of a strike group led by the USS Nimitz to the Central Command area in the Middle East. The deployment aims to protect US forces stationed in the region.

Concurrently, the US Navy continues its operations in the eastern Mediterranean to bolster US national security. This escalation aligns with ongoing military exchanges between Israel and Iran. Tel Aviv has conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military personnel, accusing Tehran of operating a covert military nuclear program.

In retaliation, Iran has launched missiles and drones targeting Israeli locations, resulting in significant casualties and raising concerns over a potential broader conflict.