This decision reversed Miller’s order last week to send the USS Nimitz out of the region, in part to send a de-escalation signal to Iran amid growing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
One defense official says Miller’s idea of de-escalation was not accepted as a formal, approved policy. Several defense sources said it surprised top commanders. The US Central Command wanted the carrier to remain in the region due to Iran’s deterrence policy.
The White House and the NSC did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
Miller announced Sunday that the USS Nimitz will remain in place due to alleged Iranian threats “against President Trump and other U.S. government officials.” Miller said in a statement that he had “ordered the USS Nimitz to halt its routine redeployment.” The carrier will now “remain in the U.S. operating area,” Miller added.
“No one should doubt the intent of the United States of America,” he said.
Last week, CNN reported that there were conflicting messages reflecting divisions within the Pentagon at Iran’s current threat level.
This story is breaking and will be updated.