The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, preparing for a potential Iranian attack against Israel, according to a Pentagon statement. This move includes sending additional warships and fighter jets to the region.
The Biden administration is concerned that Iran might retaliate against Israel following the recent assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. U.S. officials reportedly believe that any Iranian response could mirror their April 13 attack on Israel, but on a larger scale, and might involve Hezbollah in Lebanon.
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On Thursday, President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call to discuss strategies to prevent the situation from escalating into a broader regional conflict. The White House noted that President Biden talked about efforts to bolster Israel’s defense, including against ballistic missiles and drones, with the support of new U.S. military deployments.
US is sending more cruisers and destroyers to the region
To address these potential threats, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group currently in the region. Additionally, more cruisers and destroyers equipped with ballistic missile interception systems are being deployed to U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas.
US is also sending a squadron of fighter jets to the region
The Pentagon also announced plans to enhance readiness for deploying additional land-based ballistic missile defense systems. Furthermore, an additional squadron of fighter jets will be sent to the Middle East to support these defensive measures.
This increased U.S. military presence reflects heightened concerns about the possibility of Iranian aggression and underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting Israel amid rising tensions in the region.
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