The United States is enhancing its military presence in the Middle East by sending more warships and fighter jets to safeguard US personnel and support Israel, according to a Pentagon statement on Friday. This move follows threats of retaliation from Iran and its regional partners after the assassinations of a Hamas leader in Tehran and a Hezbollah commander in Beirut, raising concerns about a potential wider conflict in the region.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized in a statement that the Department of Defence is actively working to prevent any escalation by Iran or its affiliates. Since the devastating attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, the Defence Secretary has consistently affirmed the US's commitment to protecting its interests and personnel in the region, including its unwavering support for Israel's defence.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group will be deployed to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the area. Additionally, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the deployment of more cruisers and destroyers capable of ballistic missile defence to the Middle East and regions under US European Command, along with a new fighter squadron.
Israel's killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut was in response to recent rocket attacks on the Golan Heights. Subsequently, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, though Israel has not yet commented on this incident. A source close to Hezbollah revealed that Iranian officials met with representatives of the 'axis of resistance' in Tehran to plan their next actions, discussing either a coordinated or staggered response.
In April, Iran launched its first direct attack on Israeli territory, using drones and missiles in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed Revolutionary Guards in Damascus. US forces assisted Israel in defending against this attack. Singh reiterated that the US maintains a dynamic global defence capability and is committed to de-escalating tensions and promoting a ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages and end the conflict in Gaza.
