In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine to the region and instructed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more rapidly. This decision comes as the U.S. and its allies work towards a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following the recent assassinations of key leaders in Tehran and Beirut.
Concerns of retaliatory strikes by Iran and Hezbollah have prompted the U.S. to bolster its military presence in the area. Austin reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting Israel during a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, emphasizing the reinforcement of U.S. forces in the Middle East in light of heightened regional tensions.
The USS Abraham Lincoln was originally deployed to the Asia Pacific but is now being redirected to the Central Command area. The deployment of F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets aboard the carrier indicates a strategic shift towards bolstering military capabilities.
Additionally, the USS Georgia guided missile submarine has also been mobilized to the region. The recent Israeli airstrike on a Gaza shelter, resulting in numerous casualties, underscores the urgency of de-escalating the conflict and minimizing civilian harm.