Against the background of the reports last night (Sunday) that the Iranian attack had been “launched”, the Pentagon announced the increase of the US military presence in the Middle East. The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, spoke with the Minister of Defense Yoav Galant and informed him that he had ordered the ballistic missile submarine USS Georgia to be sent to the area. In addition, Austin ordered the aircraft carrier “Lincoln” to accelerate its arrival in the Middle East. The group includes destroyers and other warships.
The Pentagon statement said that Austin reiterated the commitment of the US to take every possible step to protect Israel, and noted the strengthening of the capabilities of American forces in the Middle East in light of the escalation of tensions in the region.
Although the USS Georgia was already in the Mediterranean in July, according to a post by the US military on social media, the decision to reveal information about the submarine’s movements is considered an unusual step, as the location of such submarines is usually kept secret.
At the same time, IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Daniel Hagari last night referred to the reports of the Iranian attack and said that at this stage there is no change in the instructions given to the public. “The IDF and the security establishment are monitoring our enemies and the developments in the Middle East, with an emphasis on Iran and Hezbollah, and are constantly assessing the situation. The IDF forces are deployed and prepared at a high level of readiness.”
In accordance with the trend seen after the terrorist attack on October 7 and following the threats of an Iranian attack, the US is again significantly increasing its military forces in the Middle East. The purpose of the reinforcement is to deter Iran and its proxies from the promised revenge following the assassinations in Tehran and Beirut, to protect the American forces in the region and to help to Israel in defense against possible attacks, as was done in April when Iran attacked Israel.
