The United States has heightened its military presence in the Middle East in response to escalating regional tensions following the assassination of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.
Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday the deployment of the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, to the region.
Additionally, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, which is equipped with F-35C fighter jets, has been ordered to speed up its journey to the area.
This strategic deployment reveals the US commitment to defending its ally, Israel, amid fears of a broader conflict. Austin emphasised that the US will “take every possible step” to support Israel and deter potential aggression, particularly from Iran.
The increased military posture comes after the assassination of Hamas’s top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran on July 31.
Iran has accused Israel of orchestrating the killing and has vowed retaliation. While Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement, it is widely believed to be behind the attack.
In response to the mounting tensions, passenger airlines have started suspending flights to several Middle Eastern destinations.
Lufthansa announced the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, and Tehran until August 21. Similarly, Swiss Air and Air France have canceled flights to these cities or extended their suspensions.
Professor Mehran Kamrava of Georgetown University suggested that the US’s public show of military force serves as a deterrent against Iran and Hezbollah, while privately indicating potential Iranian plans for a strike.
Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group in Lebanon, has vowed retaliation for the Israeli killing of its senior commander, Fuad Shukr, which occurred shortly before Haniyeh’s assassination.
The Biden administration is advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza to reduce tensions, with talks scheduled to resume on Thursday. Hamas has responded by insisting that any renewed negotiations should focus on existing agreements rather than new discussions.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism from the White House and international leaders for allegedly undermining ceasefire efforts.
The UK, France, and Germany have collectively urged for immediate resumption of talks, emphasizing the need to prevent further escalation.
As the situation remains volatile, global leaders continue to seek diplomatic solutions to de-escalate the conflict and stabilize the region.
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