To prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East, the United States has been steadily positioning its Navy forces closer to the region. This deployment includes two aircraft carrier groups and a guided-missile submarine. American officials are openly communicating these moves to deter Iran and its allies from intensifying their attacks on Israel.
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III ordered the deployment of additional combat aircraft and missile-equipped warships to the area.
The Theodore Roosevelt and the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carriers, along with their supporting warships and attack planes, are now stationed in or near the Gulf of Oman. Secretary Austin also publicly announced the deployment of the guided-missile submarine Georgia to the region. This is a rare move, as the Pentagon typically does not disclose the movements of its submarine fleet. The Georgia is capable of launching cruise missiles and carrying Navy SEAL commandos.
These actions come in response to threats from Iran and its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, who have vowed to attack Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
While the United States asserts that these moves are intended to defend Israel and prevent a larger regional conflict, a senior U.S. official stated on Saturday that the American military is strategically positioned to counter threats from Iran. The Israeli Defense Forces are expected to take the lead in defending against any attacks by Hezbollah from Lebanon.
