LONDON – The Guardian highlighted the US Department of Defense’s (Pentagon) decision to bolster its military presence in the Middle East amid concerns of an imminent Iranian airstrike against Israel in response to the recent assassinations of key leaders from the Palestinian Hamas movement and the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah.
A news report published by The Guardian mentioned that the US military reinforcement in the region included the deployment of a submarine capable of carrying guided missiles, fighter jets, and warships. This decision comes at a time when the region is bracing for potential attacks from Iran and its allies following the assassination of Hamas’ political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh, while he was in Tehran, and the killing of Fouad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah leader, in Beirut about two weeks ago.
The report noted that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the US Abraham Lincoln strike group to enhance its presence in the Middle East, including the deployment of a submarine capable of carrying guided missiles. It pointed out that it is rare for Washington to publicly announce the deployment of its submarines in any region.
The report explained that the assassination of Haniyeh during a visit to Tehran for the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian president on July 31st provoked anger in Iran, which vowed to launch a retaliatory strike against Israel, whom it accuses of being involved in Haniyeh’s death. These developments have raised significant concerns about the conflict in Gaza escalating into a broader war in the Middle East.
The report added that Israel continued its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, noting that Israeli forces have warned residents of Khan Younis of a new military operation, prompting thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes to escape the Israeli bombing. It highlighted that the city has suffered extensive destruction over the past few months due to the continuous Israeli attacks.
