The USS Gerald R. Ford sailed into the Mediterranean Sea on Friday morning, fueling mounting speculation that the United States could be preparing for possible military action against Iran.

Maritime tracking data showed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier transiting the Strait of Gibraltar earlier in the day. Despite its entry into the Mediterranean, the warship remains several days away from reaching a position from which it could conduct operations targeting the Islamic Republic.

The Ford is expected to link up with the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, reinforcing the American naval presence in the region. The movement comes after President Trump indicated Thursday that he may decide within the next 10 days whether to authorize a strike on Iran.