Washington is significantly increasing its military presence in the Middle East in response to rising tensions following the assassinations of senior members of Iran-linked Hamas and Hezbollah. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Georgia nuclear submarine equipped with guided missiles to be sent to the region, Reuters reports citing a Pentagon statement.
This decision is unusual because the location of submarines is not usually disclosed. However, against the background of recent events, the Pentagon took this step, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The USS Georgia has already been in the Mediterranean since July, but now its deployment has been officially confirmed.
In a statement released after Lloyd Austin’s conversation with Israel’s defense minister, the Pentagon emphasized the United States’ readiness to “take all necessary measures” to protect its key ally in the Middle East. It was also announced the accelerated deployment of a strike group led by the aircraft carrier “Abraham Lincoln” in the region.
The move is part of a broader strategy by Washington to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities, including additional fighter jets and warships already heading to the region.
Tensions in the region have risen sharply since the July 31 assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in the Iranian capital, Tehran. The assassination, which Iran blamed on Israel, prompted threats of retaliation from Tehran. Iran also blamed the US for its support for Israel.
In addition, the killing of Fuad Shukr, a high-ranking commander of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, in an Israeli strike on Beirut fueled fears that the conflict in Gaza could spread to the entire Middle East.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for these attacks, but their consequences could have serious geopolitical consequences, threatening to escalate into a large-scale conflict in the region. The US, anticipating a possible escalation, is taking additional measures to strengthen its military presence and protect its allies.
