The United States is sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran, U.S. media reported late on February 12.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships will be sent to the Middle East from the Caribbean, the New York Times, which first reported the news, said, citing U.S. officials.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump said he was considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the region if a deal is not reached with Iran.

The first aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers arrived in the Middle East in January.

Trump said on February 12 the United States has to make a deal with Tehran and suggested an agreement could be struck over the next month.

"We have to make a deal, otherwise it's going to be very traumatic, very traumatic," Trump told reporters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 12 said he hoped that Trump was creating the conditions to reach a deal with Iran that would avoid military action.