Pentagon Orders Missile Submarine to Middle East as Tensions Escalate
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, the Pentagon announced on Sunday. This move comes as the region faces rising tensions following the deaths of senior figures from Hamas and Hezbollah. The USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered submarine, had already been in the Mediterranean Sea since July, but its deployment to the Middle East was made public in a rare announcement.
In a statement following Austin’s discussion with Israel’s defense minister, the Pentagon confirmed that Austin ordered the Abraham Lincoln strike group to hasten its arrival in the region. The statement emphasized the United States’ commitment to defending Israel, noting an increased US military presence and capabilities across the Middle East due to growing regional tensions.
The US military has also committed to sending additional fighter jets and naval forces to the Middle East, aiming to reinforce Israel’s defenses.
Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, which is backed by Iran, was killed in Tehran on July 31. This assassination, attributed to Israel by Iran, has led to threats of retaliation from Tehran. Israel has not confirmed its involvement in the killing. Similarly, the death of Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah military commander, in Beirut has raised concerns that the conflict in Gaza could escalate into a broader regional war.
Iran has accused the US of being complicit in Haniyeh’s assassination due to its support for Israel. Meanwhile, recent drone attacks in Syria have injured several US and coalition personnel, adding to the heightened tensions.
