President Joe Biden is contemplating bolstering US defenses in the Middle East as the country braces for potential retaliation from Iran against Israel. Officials have warned that this retaliation could potentially target American forces in the region.
During a recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden assured that the US would stand by Israel's defense against threats. This commitment includes the possibility of deploying new defensive US military assets, although specific details of these deployments have not been disclosed.
The anticipated Iranian response follows the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. While discussions have taken place between the Pentagon and US Central Command regarding adjustments to the US force posture in the region, a final decision on new deployments had not been reached as of Thursday.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, comprising an aircraft carrier, destroyers, and other warships, has been active in the Gulf of Oman in recent weeks. There is a possibility that the strike group may reposition to the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea, where Navy vessels have intercepted numerous Houthi launches in recent months.
Meanwhile, the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship and several Navy vessels are currently operating in the Mediterranean Sea. This group includes a Marine expeditionary unit capable of executing an evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon if deemed necessary.
Following the assassination, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed a severe and painful response. Israel, however, has refrained from commenting on the incident.
