USS George Washington replenishes in Arabian Sea as Iran strikes stay undecided

Journal observed flight operations and munitions delivery during rare visit

On October 24, 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported that American warships in the Middle East are preparing for an escalation in fighting in case President Trump opts for a fresh round of attacks against Iran in the coming weeks, according to U.S. officials familiar with the planning. Separately, The Wall Street Journal documented flight operations and a significant replenishment of munitions and supplies during a rare visit to USS George Washington and a guided-missile destroyer operating in the Arabian Sea. Officials cautioned that no decision had been made.

During the rare visit to the carrier and the destroyer, The Wall Street Journal observed flight operations and a significant replenishment of munitions and supplies. The replenishment included a large delivery of standoff land attack missiles and bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate ground targets.

Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of USS George Washington, said, “We are always prepared.” DeLeo also said, “We’re always paying attention, focused on our surroundings and ready to react reflexively or proactively.”

Officials cautioned that no decision had been made. They described the preparations as contingency planning for a possible escalation in fighting and a fresh round of attacks against Iran in the coming weeks if Trump chose that course.

The Pentagon told The Wall Street Journal that “the military’s job is to develop and present options to the president.” The statement described an options process rather than an announcement that new attacks would begin.

President Trump has previously said he will not strike Iran before the November midterm elections. His earlier public position stood alongside preparations that officials described as conditional on whether he chose fresh attacks in the coming weeks.

The reporting establishes that flight operations occurred and that a significant replenishment of munitions and supplies was observed during the visit, and DeLeo described the carrier’s crew as ready. It does not establish that a new round of attacks has been ordered; officials cautioned that no decision had been made.

The Wall Street Journal report was produced by senior video and national security correspondent Shelby Holliday, based in New York City, and senior video journalist Eve Hartley, who produces features for the Journal’s London bureau.