The United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East in response to potential Iranian retaliation following the killing of a senior Hamas leader in Tehran. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group currently in the Gulf of Oman. Additionally, destroyers and cruisers with ballistic missile defense capabilities will be deployed to the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea.
While the specific warships have not been disclosed, it is known that two US destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea were involved in intercepting Iranian strikes against Israel in April. A fighter squadron is also being sent to the region as part of the increased military presence.
Currently, the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship is already in the region, operating with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. This unit is prepared to conduct an evacuation of US citizens in Lebanon if necessary.
Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel, however, has not officially commented on the incident.
