U.S. Bolsters Middle East Defenses Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

The U.S. military is deploying additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East in response to heightened threats from Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The Pentagon aims to increase force protection, support Israel's defense, and prepare for various contingencies.

The U.S. military will deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East, the Pentagon announced on Friday. Washington seeks to strengthen defenses following threats from Iran and its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah.

The move is in response to Iran's vow to retaliate for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran two days ago. The incident adds to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved the deployment of additional Navy cruisers and destroyers, which are capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, as well as another squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East.

"Austin has ordered adjustments to U.S. military posture designed to improve U.S. force protection, to increase support for the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies," the Pentagon said in a statement.

The U.S. military had already intensified deployments prior to April 13, when Iran launched an attack on Israeli territory with drones and missiles. At the time, Israel, with U.S. and allied assistance, successfully intercepted nearly 300 threats.

President Biden discussed the new U.S. defensive deployments with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call on Thursday, the White House said.

Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of carrying out the killing and have pledged retaliation. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)