The US is beefing up its military presence in the Middle East amid fears of Iranian retaliation over a strike that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Friday that a fighter jet squadron and additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers will be deployed to the region.
The US is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation following a strike that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Friday that a fighter jet squadron will be deployed to the region and the aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN will replace the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT in the Central Command area of responsibility.
President Biden has also ordered additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the region, fulfilling a promise made to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US Beefs Up Military Presence in Middle East Amid Fears of Iranian Retaliation
"These posture adjustments add to the broad range of capabilities the U.S. military maintains in the region, including the USS WASP Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) operating in the Eastern Mediterranean," the Pentagon said in a release.
The move to expand defenses in the Middle East comes amid heightened tensions following the deaths of Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur. The Pentagon's release did not specify where the fighter jet squadron or aircraft carrier will be based.
US Beefs Up Military Presence in Middle East Amid Fears of Iranian Retaliation
The US continues to urge de-escalation and a ceasefire in the region as part of a hostage deal to bring hostages home and end the war in Gaza.
"The United States also remains intently focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and pushing for a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal to bring the hostages home and end the war in Gaza," the Pentagon said.
US Beefs Up Military Presence in Middle East Amid Fears of Iranian Retaliation
The announcement of additional military deployments comes as Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge for Haniyeh's death.
"The blood of this martyr will be avenged," Khamenei said in a statement.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has also condemned the strike, calling it a "flagrant violation of international law."
The US has maintained a significant military presence in the Middle East for decades, with the goal of deterring aggression and protecting its interests in the region. The current deployment of additional forces is a sign of the US's commitment to maintaining stability in the face of heightened tensions.
The US and Iran have had a long and strained relationship, marked by periods of both conflict and cooperation. The two countries have been at odds over a number of issues, including Iran's nuclear program, its support for terrorism, and its human rights record.
The Trump administration withdrew the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, in 2018. The Biden administration has expressed a willingness to rejoin the JCPOA if Iran complies with its terms.
The current crisis in the Middle East is a reminder of the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. The US is taking steps to deter Iranian retaliation, while also urging de-escalation and a ceasefire.
