The United States is deploying a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and additional warships to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions following the killing of a senior Hamas leader in Tehran. This move represents one of the largest deployments of US forces to the region since the early days of the Gaza war.
Israel has been preparing for potential retaliation from Iran, with citizens stocking up on supplies and airlines canceling flights to the region. The Israeli government has stated that it is ready for a range of scenarios following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.
US officials have emphasized the need to ensure the region is adequately equipped to respond to any potential attacks. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group currently operating in the Gulf of Oman. Additionally, destroyers and cruisers capable of ballistic missile defense will be deployed to the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea.
In response to the escalating situation, Kuwaiti Airlines and other carriers have suspended flights to Beirut, citing the current regional tensions. Within Israel, reports indicate that citizens are stocking up on essential goods, with supermarket sales seeing a significant increase.
The Jerusalem municipality has issued instructions to residents on how to prepare for potential attacks, emphasizing the importance of being able to reach bomb shelters quickly. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have vowed to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, raising concerns about a possible coordinated attack involving Iranian proxies in the region.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has hinted at the possibility of a coordinated response to recent events, warning that Israel may face attacks from multiple sources. US officials are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential threats in the coming days.
