US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East.
The Pentagon announced this decision on Sunday amid rising regional tensions.
Austin reaffirmed the US’s commitment to Israel in a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, pledging to take “every possible” step to defend Israel, according to a Pentagon statement.
Austin has directed the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, which includes F-35C fighters, to speed up its movement to Central Command, adding to the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT’s presence.
Additionally, Austin ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) submarine to the Central Command region.
They also discussed Israel’s operations in Gaza and efforts to reduce civilian harm.
The Pentagon announced the US will deploy more military assets to the Middle East due to potential retaliation by Iran.
Tensions rose after Israel assassinated senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.
