The US is sending more troops and military equipment to the Middle East to extend the resources available to “defend Israel,” a Pentagon statement said.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin “reiterated the United States' commitment to taking all possible steps to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of US military strength and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions,” said the statement released on Sunday by Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder.
This includes sending a guided missile submarine to the region and accelerating the transit of a carrier battle group equipped with F-35C fighter aircraft.
The statement followed a phone call between Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday. It got here against the backdrop of the Iranian leadership's announcement of retaliation against Israel following the assassination of former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
Iran, which supports Hamas, claims Israel carried out the murder. Israel has not commented on the matter.
Tehran has not yet responded militarily to the attack, keeping its opponents and all the region on tenterhooks.
An open war between Israel and Iran – and its proxies, corresponding to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah – would have devastating consequences for all sides involved. The leaders of each countries are under constant pressure to reply militarily.
The mutual missile attacks between Iran and Israel in April were attacks that were essentially measured and announced to avoid major damage or casualties. Tehran has up to now expressed little interest in war with Israel, but some analysts warn that any impending retaliation might be more severe.
Tensions rise after killing of Hamas leader
Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated for the reason that Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, which killed about 1,200 people and took one other 253 hostage. 116 of them have since been released.
Israel's military response to the attack has killed greater than 39,000 people within the Gaza Strip, in keeping with local health authorities. Half of the buildings within the sealed-off enclave have been destroyed, According to the UN
The death of Haniya, who had led the ceasefire talks for Hamas, also raises questions on the longer term of a diplomatic solution to the conflict between the Palestinian militant group and Israel. Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar because the group's latest political leader. Sinwar, who also has close ties to Iran, is taken into account much more extreme than his predecessor and fewer willing to compromise on a ceasefire agreement.
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