Iran has threatened Israel of dire consequences after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in Tehran. The United States is increasing its military presence in Middle East Asia in response to potential threats to Israel from Iran and armed militia groups that it supports, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. The Pentagon (US Department of Defense) has deployed a carrier strike group (aircraft carrier), a fighter jet squadron, cruisers, destroyers and additional warships to the area as a precaution against possible Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israel.
This is America’s largest military mobilization in the Middle East since the beginning of the Gaza war. The Pentagon initially deployed two carrier strike groups to monitor and respond to attacks by regional terrorist groups. John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the US National Security Council, stressed the need for preparedness, telling CNN, ‘We cannot just assume that we could potentially be the victim of that kind of attack, so we have to make sure that What needs to be done is that we have deployed the right resources in the area and have acquired the necessary capabilities.
American Missile Defense Force on alert
In addition to carrier strike groups and fighter squadrons, the US has sent destroyers and cruisers equipped with ballistic missile defense systems to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The warships involved have not been disclosed, but two American destroyers were involved in stopping an Iranian missile attack against Israel in April this year. The Pentagon assured that the Missile Defense Force has been put on alert. This decision shows America’s commitment to the defense of Israel. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh reiterated America’s desire to avoid a conflict situation, stressing the importance of a diplomatic solution and ceasefire talks.
Tension increased due to Ismail Haniya’s murder
Sabrina Singh said, ‘Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a change in strategy to ensure Israel’s security. To maintain the Carrier Strike Group presence in the Middle East, he has directed the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group currently deployed in the Central Command Area. Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the Lebanon-Israel border, tensions remain between Israel and Iran following the killing of top Hamas leader Ismail Haniya and top Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukar.
Iran has vowed to avenge the killing of Ismail Haniya.
Iran threatened Israel with retaliation
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared three days of national mourning and threatened Israel with dire consequences. The US military is closely monitoring the situation amid fears of an Iranian attack. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza. Ismail Haniya’s funeral took place in Doha, Qatar, thousands of people attended the funeral. The killing of the Hamas leader has increased instability in the region. Many countries have asked their citizens to leave Iran, Israel and Lebanon. India has strongly advised its citizens not to travel to Lebanon. Indian Airlines has suspended its flights to Tel Aviv till August 8, 2024.