New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- President Donald Trump's war with Iran is stretching the US Navy's aircraft carrier fleet, with the USS George Washington leaving the Pacific for the West Asia and temporarily reducing America's carrier presence as China steps up military activity in the region.

The George Washington is expected to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose deployment has been extended beyond its original May return date to support operations against Iran, AP reported. The prolonged deployment has raised concerns over crew fatigue, mental health and supply problems aboard the carrier.

China has continued to assert its military and territorial claims across the Indo-Pacific, including around Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Greg Poling,...