U.S. media reported on Friday that the United States plans to deploy the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Middle East, as President Donald Trump seeks to pressure Iran into a deal over its nuclear and missile programmes.

The New York Times, citing four U.S. officials, said on Thursday that the carrier, currently operating in the Caribbean, would head to the Middle East along with its accompanying strike group, though the final destination was not specified.

The officials, who were not named, said the carrier and its escort ships are not expected to return to their home port before early May.

The Pentagon did not immediately comment on the report.