Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group continues Iran operation in Red Sea, US defense official tells Anadolu

"We won't speculate on future ship movements to protect our service members and operational security," the official added.

The official's remarks came after media reports said the USS Gerald R. Ford would return to NATO's naval base on Crete next week following a fire on the ship on March 12.

Reports suggested that more than 600 service members lost their beds and have been sleeping on floors and tables

Last week, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs Air Force Gen. Dan Caine said the US was aware of a fire on board the USS Gerald R. Ford, as he briefed the media regarding the war operation that began last month.

"We're thinking about the crew there who were injured in the fire. We believe and hope that everyone will be OK and we're grateful for that," Caine told reporters, alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

US Naval Forces Central Command said on March 12, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) experienced a fire that originated in the ship’s main laundry spaces.

"The cause of the fire was not combat-related and is contained," it said, adding the aircraft carrier remains "fully operational."

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

A total of 13 US service members have been killed, and about 200 others were injured since the operation began.