U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and directed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area amid concerns of a potential strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel. The move comes following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut, leading to fears of retaliatory strikes. The U.S. has been increasing its presence in the region, with White House national security spokesman John Kirby stating that Iran’s response could happen as soon as this week, although the exact nature of the potential attack is uncertain. The U.S. and its allies are preparing for a “significant set of attacks,” Kirby added.
Austin discussed America’s commitment to defend Israel with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, emphasizing the strengthening of U.S. military force posture in the Middle East in response to escalating tensions. The leaders of the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy released a joint statement calling on Iran to stand down its threats of a military attack against Israel, highlighting the serious consequences for regional security if an attack were to occur. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed concerns to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the potential danger of a regional conflict in the Middle East. The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, urged caution to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, which was previously in the Asia Pacific region, has been ordered to the Middle East to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group, which is set to return home. The Lincoln, equipped with F-35 and F/A-18 fighter aircraft, is expected to arrive in the Central Command area by the end of the month. While it is unclear how quickly the carrier will reach the Middle East following Austin’s latest order, the decision underscores the U.S. military’s readiness to support and defend Israel in the event of an attack. Additionally, the deployment of the USS Georgia guided missile submarine to the region further enhances the U.S. military presence in response to heightened tensions.
During the call between Austin and Gallant, the two discussed Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the importance of minimizing civilian casualties. This conversation followed an Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people and injuries to nearly 50 others, according to Palestinian health authorities. The incident marked one of the deadliest attacks in the 10-month Israel-Hamas conflict, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of the ongoing violence. As diplomatic efforts continue to push for a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. and its allies remain vigilant and prepared to respond to potential threats in the region.
