The United States seeks to strengthen its military presence to curb Iran’s possible intention to strike Israel.
The US Department of Defense says the Pentagon is sending additional troops to the Middle East amid rising tensions.
The Ministry of Defense informed local time on Friday that the Minister of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered the Navy to send cruisers and destroyers to the Middle East and Europe. The ships are capable of countering ballistic missiles, the release says.
The Air Force, in turn, is sending an additional fighter squadron. In addition, the army increases its readiness to deliver missile defense systems to the region, the ministry says.
By sending troops and strengthening its military presence, the United States aims to curb Iran’s possible intention to attack Israel.
Iran has vowed to take revenge on Israel for the political leader of the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas to Ismail Haniyeh assassination. Haniyeh was killed in the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday.
Iran and Hamas have blamed the attack on Israel, which has neither admitted nor denied its involvement in the assassination.
On Thursday, the president Joe Biden assured the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin to Netanyahuthat the United States is committed to defending Israel against Iranian threats.
According to the White House, these threats include the terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as Yemen’s Houthi rebels. All three parties are supported by Iran.
Sources: Reuters, AFP, AP