Well, now that Iran has virtually ordered the US to not bring an
aircraft carrier into the Persian Gulf, it seems that they have left
the US with no option but to do just that.

It strikes me as a very silly thing to do over an international water
way. If the US were to not send the carrier back it would say that any
country could order US naval ships, and any other navies, out of
International waters.

The Chinese are trying just that in the South China Sea.

The Persians were ancient invaders from way back in the middle east
so I suspect they think they have residual rights.

I would bet a lot that the US will send the aircraft carrier back and Iran will do nothing.

Yes, they probably will do nothing, unless they are totally mad.

They even told the Americans that they would not get another warning.
If they are not mad then it could only result in them looking stupid.