US to send jets and warships as Iran threatens Israel
The Pentagon announced on Friday that the U.S. military will be sending extra fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East as part of efforts to strengthen defenses in response to threats from Iran and its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah.
With the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran—one of several high-profile eliminations of Palestinian militant leaders amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza—the U.S. anticipates Iran might act on its threat to retaliate.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has authorized the deployment of additional Navy cruisers and destroyers, which are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, to the Middle East and Europe.
In addition, a new squadron of fighter jets will be sent to the region.
According to a Pentagon statement, Austin has mandated adjustments to U.S. military strategy to enhance force protection, support Israel’s defense, and ensure readiness for various scenarios.
Previously, there was speculation that the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group might not be replaced after its current mission. However, Austin has opted to rotate in the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier strike group.
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The Pentagon also mentioned that it would boost readiness to deploy additional land-based ballistic missile defense systems.
Before April 13, when Iran launched an attack on Israeli territory with drones and missiles, the U.S. had already increased its military presence.
The potential threat from Hezbollah in Lebanon poses unique challenges for U.S. efforts to intercept drones and missiles due to the group’s extensive arsenal and its proximity to Israel.
During that period, Israel successfully intercepted nearly all of the approximately 300 drones and missiles with support from the U.S. and other allies.
In a Thursday phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Biden discussed new U.S. military defensive measures to support Israel against missile and drone threats, according to the White House.
Both Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for the killing and have vowed retaliation, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility.
US to send jets and warships as Iran threatens Israel
