Lloyd Austin Strengthens U.S. Military Presence in Middle East

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East, enhancing U.S. military forces amid high regional tensions. The Pentagon’s shift involves both the Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike groups initially planned for rotation.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has commanded the deployment of two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East, the Pentagon announced on Sunday, in an effort to bolster U.S. military capabilities amid rising regional tensions.

This decision was revealed in a briefing summarizing a conversation between Austin and his Israeli counterpart. Previously, the Pentagon had intended to replace the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group with the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group.

The move underscores a strategic adjustment aimed at maintaining a robust U.S. military presence in a highly volatile region.

(With inputs from agencies.)