With an increasingly volatile security challenge in the Middle East triggered by the threat of an impending Iranian attack on Israel, the United States has taken decisive measures by executing a significant military deployment. This includes the mobilization of an aircraft carrier, a submarine, and various advanced military assets.
During a conversation with Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on August 11, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III emphasized that in light of the escalating tension in the region, the United States is committed to utilizing all available resources to defend Israel. He also highlighted the increased presence and capabilities of the American military throughout the Middle East.
To that end, Austin directed the F-35C-equipped USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to expedite its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility.
This group will enhance the existing capabilities provided by the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. EurAsian Times had previously reported that the USS Abraham Lincoln had been dispatched from the Pacific to the Middle East to relieve the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
In addition to the carrier, the Pentagon also made an interesting announcement about deploying a guided-missile submarine to the region. “The Secretary has ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region,” according to the statement. It is not typical for the Pentagon to announce sub-deployments.
It is unclear when the carrier strike group or the submarine will reach the Middle East. However, it comes days after the US military announced it would deploy additional fighter jets and warships to the region amid heightened threats of attack by Iran and Hezbollah on Israel.
Secretary of Defense Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) August 12, 2024
As recently reported by the EurAsian Times, a dozen US fifth-generation stealth aircraft, the F-22 Raptors, have already arrived at an undisclosed location in the region.
Additionally, a batch of F/A-18 Super Hornets has been deployed to an air base in Jordan and was photographed equipped with four live AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and four AIM-9X Sidewinders—likely for air defense.
The US already has the F-15E Strike Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcons, and the A-10 Warthogs deployed to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). US military aircraft are deployed at various bases in the Middle East, such as Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia and Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
Additionally, the US has deployed an amphibious assault ship, the USS Wasp, in Cyprus. Analysts believe that although the vessel docked in Cyprus as part of a pre-arranged visit, it could be deployed to the Middle East for evacuations in case of an escalation. According to The National Interest, some view the vessel as a mini-carrier, arguing it could be useful if circumstances escalate.
To enhance the US’s maritime posture in the region, destroyers and cruisers equipped with ballistic missile defense capabilities are being deployed to the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
This deployment represents one of the most significant expansions of US military presence in the region since the initial stages of the Gaza war. At that time, the Pentagon had dispatched two carrier strike groups as a deterrent against regional militant groups.
The deployment comes amid heightened anxieties over a multi-directional attack to be launched on Israel by Iran and its regional proxies, including the Hezbollah and the Houthis. Israel has been accused of assassinating Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, on Tehran’s soil, which has led to Iran’s pledge for vengeance.
In addition, Israel is believed to have also assassinated the top Hezbollah commander, Fouad Shukur, which has ignited calls for retribution among the ranks of the Lebanon-based militant group. Late on the night of August 11, Hezbollah launched a flurry of rockets at northern Israel, raising concerns that a joint attack by Hezbollah and Iran may be imminent.
The US has warned Iran of grave consequences to prevent a regional conflict, with earlier reports suggesting that Tehran might be reevaluating its stance. However, recent intelligence indicates that Iran appears to be preparing for an imminent attack.
Iranian Attack Expected Any Day
Israel was reportedly anticipating a significant Iranian attack within a few days, according to several sources on August 11. Despite this, the military attempted to minimize the situation by emphasizing that civilian orders remained unaltered.
The claims represented a reversal of the previously held belief that the Islamic Republic had abandoned its initial plan to conduct a large-scale attack owing to intense international pressure. Instead, Iran was expected to have left it to Hezbollah to launch an attack.
However, Israel’s current estimate is that Iran will launch a direct attack on the nation within days, maybe before fresh ceasefire-hostage deal talks are held later this week, according to the Axios news site. The report cited two anonymous sources who were aware of the information.
Captured on Telegram
Iran's Ministry of Defense released a video showing possible scenarios for an attack on Israel. In this context, Iron Dome proves ineffective.@kedmi pic.twitter.com/Wc6qHKrFSL
— Peacemaker (@peacemaket71) August 5, 2024
According to the report, there was prevailing divisiveness over the matter in Iran. While the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps wants to launch a bigger attack than it did on April 13–14, when hundreds of drones and missiles were fired in Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel, the reformist Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wants to avoid a violent response.
According to one of the sources, the situation remained “still fluid” due to the existing differences. However, reports noted that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Iran appeared to be preparing a major military strike on Israel, as evidenced by its large-scale military preparation.
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