Amid growing tensions in the Middle East, the United States has decided to deploy additional fighter jets and naval warships to the region. The U.S. aims to reinforce security in light of threats from Iran and its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah. There are concerns that Tehran may strike in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved the deployment of additional naval cruisers and destroyers to the Middle East and Europe, equipped with capabilities to intercept ballistic missiles. Additionally, the U.S. is sending an extra squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East.
U.S. to Deploy Warships
The Pentagon released a statement saying, "Austin has directed adjustments to U.S. military deployments to bolster the security of U.S. forces, enhance support for Israel's defense, and ensure that America is fully prepared to respond to any situation."
There were speculations that the Pentagon might not replace the 'USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group' in the Middle East. However, Austin has dispelled these rumors by deciding to deploy the 'USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group' instead. The Pentagon's statement noted that this move will strengthen the land-based ballistic missile defense system.
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Continuous U.S. Support for Israel
Previously, on April 13, the U.S. military had deployed forces when Iran attacked Israeli territory with drones and missiles. At that time, Israel successfully intercepted nearly 300 drones and missiles with the help of the U.S. and other allies. The White House mentioned that President Biden discussed new U.S. defensive military deployments to aid Israel against threats like missiles and drones during a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday.
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated to the media that the U.S. would assist if Israel were attacked. When asked whether Israel had a hand in Haniyeh's assassination and whether the U.S. was aware, Austin replied that he had no information on that. Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the assassination and vowed to retaliate. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for Ismail Haniyeh's death.
Haniyeh Assassinated in Iran
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed to punish Israel harshly following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Haniyeh had attended the inauguration ceremony of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezheshkian, and met with Khamenei. Hamas reported that on Wednesday morning, the house where Haniyeh was staying in Tehran was blown up, resulting in his fatal injuries. Hamas has held Israel accountable for the incident, and Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouk stated that Haniyeh's death would not be in vain.
