US Deploys Missile Submarine Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. This move follows the recent assassinations of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah, escalating regional tensions. Additional U.S. military forces are being sent to reinforce Israeli defenses.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, according to a Pentagon announcement on Sunday. The region is on high alert for potential strikes by Iran and its allies following the deaths of key figures from Hamas and Hezbollah.

The USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered submarine, was already stationed in the Mediterranean Sea as of July, as indicated by a U.S. military social media post. The Pentagon's decision to publicize this deployment is considered unusual. After discussions with his Israeli counterpart, Austin also ordered the Abraham Lincoln strike group to expedite its arrival in the area.

Washington has announced plans to send additional fighter jets and Navy warships to support Israel. Tensions have soared following the assassination of Hamas's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran and the killing of Hezbollah's senior commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut. Iran has blamed the U.S. for its support of Israel. Additionally, U.S. personnel were wounded in a recent drone attack in Syria.

(With inputs from agencies.)