President Joe Biden is presently contemplating increasing US defenses in the Middle East. This decision comes as the US braces for Iranian retribution in the Middle East. Officials anticipate Iran to retaliate to Israel’s actions, possibly targeting American personnel.
Biden reaffirmed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s support for Israel during a phone call on Thursday. This support may include fresh US military deployments in the region. The statement did not specify the details of these deployments, which officials are considering ahead of a potential Iranian response.
The Pentagon has debated changes to the US troops posture with US Central Command. As of Thursday afternoon, they had not reached a final decision. The situation is uncertain, with an Iranian response likely in the following days.
Recently, the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, which includes an aircraft carrier and destroyers, has been operating in the Gulf of Oman. This strike group might move to the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea. There, Navy warships have intercepted numerous Houthi launches.
Meanwhile, the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship and other Navy vessels are in the Mediterranean Sea. This group also includes a Marine expeditionary unit capable of evacuating American citizens from Lebanon if necessary.
Biden expressed severe concern about the escalating tensions. He urged for a ceasefire and highlighted the urgency of addressing the situation. The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has further complicated the prospects for peace.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed a “harsh” response to Haniyeh’s killing. This response might involve attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militias. Although such attacks have decreased since January, there is concern that they could resume.
Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari noted that international partners have reinforced their regional forces. However, he did not reveal which countries are involved.
The US prepares for Iranian retribution in the Middle East, anticipating that any Iranian reprisal will be comparable to prior strikes but perhaps more advanced. The possibility of a coordinated attack by Iranian proxies from numerous angles remains a significant concern.
In April, a group of countries, including Jordan and several Arab governments, successfully stopped an Iranian missile attack. However, it is unclear if such an alliance could be rapidly rebuilt. Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah commander, has hinted at the prospect of a coordinated strike on Israel.
