The United States has deployed a guided missile submarine to the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that an aircraft carrier, already en route, will expedite its journey to the area as part of this military maneuver.
This strategic action is a response to concerns over a potential wider conflict following the recent assassination of key leaders from Hezbollah and Hamas.
It underscores the U.S. commitment to safeguard Israel from threats posed by Iran, with Austin stating that every possible measure will be taken to defend the ally.
Iran’s reaction is under close scrutiny, particularly after the assassination of Hamas’s prominent political figure, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran on July 31.
The Iranian government has accused Israel of orchestrating Haniyeh’s assassination and has vowed retaliation. Although Israel has not officially commented, it is widely believed to be responsible.
On Sunday, the Pentagon announced the USS Georgia guided missile submarine has been deployed to the region.
In addition, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, equipped with F-35C fighter jets, has been ordered to hasten its arrival. This group was originally set to replace another U.S. vessel in the region.
The nature of Iran’s potential response remains uncertain.
Additionally, Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group based in Lebanon, poses another risk of retaliatory action against Israel. The group has vowed to respond following the Israeli killing of senior commander Fuad Shukr just hours before Haniyeh’s assassination in Beirut.
Experts suggest that the public deployment of a U.S. submarine serves as a deterrent against both Iran and Hezbollah, while some speculate that private signals may indicate Iran is contemplating retaliation.
In light of these developments, several airlines have suspended flights to regional airports due to security concerns.
A German airline announced it is halting flights to various destinations, including Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, and Tehran, until August 21 based on safety assessments.
Swiss Air has similarly canceled its flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut during the same timeframe.
Air France has extended its flight suspension to Beirut, which began on July 29, through to Wednesday.
Other carriers, including AirBaltic and EasyJet, have previously announced similar cancellations.
In a past incident, Iran retaliated against Israeli actions by launching a large-scale attack using drones and missiles after an incident at its consulate in Syria.
The current U.S. administration believes that a ceasefire in Gaza that allows for the release of Israeli hostages would be the most effective way to ease regional tensions, advocating for the resumption of talks on Thursday.
However, Hamas responded to the U.S. efforts by insisting that Israel must implement existing agreements before further negotiations can take place.
Although Hamas expressed a willingness to engage, it indicated a preference for established conditions rather than entering fresh negotiations.
The Biden administration has attributed previous failures in talks to Hamas, while recent reports suggest the U.S. is examining the role of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding his alliances with far-right coalition members resistant to a resolution.
Just last week, the White House openly criticized one of these leaders for obstructing progress toward a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, leaders from the UK, France, and Germany have reiterated their calls for the resumption of ceasefire talks.
They collectively asserted that “there can be no further delay,” emphasizing their commitment to preventing escalation and seeking stability in the region.
