Aircraft carrier presence allows the top American commander in the Middle East flexibility in being able to maintain a state of “contested deterrence” with Iran, lawmakers were told during a Tuesday hearing. Carriers bring “a uniquely American capability” to the region that are needed in the wake of the heightened tensions that followed the U.S. airstrike that killed Qasem Soleimani, commander of its Quds Force, U.S. Central Command commander Gen. Kenneth McKenzie told the House Armed Services Committee. “Naval presence is always the most effective” means of deterrence because “you dial it up and dial it down” as required, he … Continue reading CENTCOM Commander: Middle East Aircraft Carrier Presence Key to Deterring Iran