IRAN: The United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East to counter potential threats from Iran and its allies. The Pentagon announced on Friday that it will deploy a squadron of fighter jets to the region and maintain an aircraft carrier to support Israel's defense and protect US troops.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has also directed the deployment of additional missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to Europe and the Middle East. The Pentagon is also preparing to send more land-based missile defense systems.

This move follows a promise made by President Joe Biden to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders discussed new US military deployments to guard against missile and drone attacks. In April, US forces successfully intercepted numerous missiles and drones launched by Iran against Israel.

US officials are concerned about escalating violence in the Middle East following recent attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, which have led to threats of retaliation. Iran has vowed to respond after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Israel has claimed responsibility for Shukr's death but has not commented on Haniyeh's assassination, which Hamas, Iran, and their allies attribute to Israel.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group will be sent to the Middle East to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, which is currently in the Gulf of Oman but scheduled to return home later this summer. This decision indicates the Pentagon's intention to maintain a continuous carrier presence in the region as a deterrent against Iran, at least until next year.

The Pentagon did not specify the origin or base location of the incoming fighter jet squadron. Many regional allies support the presence of US military forces but prefer to keep such information confidential.

Additional land-based missile defense systems, such as the Patriot or THAAD, could be deployed to enhance regional defenses. However, the Pentagon did not disclose which system it plans to deploy.

In a statement, the White House reiterated President Biden's commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh confirmed that multiple force movements are being directed to bolster support for Israel and enhance protection for US troops in the region.

The US has maintained a naval presence in the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean Sea, including Navy destroyers USS Roosevelt and USS Bulkeley, as well as the USS Wasp and USS New York, which carry a Marine expeditionary unit for potential evacuations of US personnel.

Additionally, two US Navy destroyers currently in the Middle East are heading north through the Red Sea toward the Mediterranean Sea. One of these destroyers may remain in the Mediterranean if necessary.

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