After navy warships, US orders submarine deployment in Middle East amid Israel-Iran war threat
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
Amid the possibility of a war between Israel and Iran, the United States has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. Defense Secretary Llyod Austin gave the green light for the deployment as the White House braces for the worst-case scenario.
According to the Pentagon, Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart and also told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area.
"Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of USmilitary force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions," read the Pentagon statement.
The fresh deployment of an important military asset by the White House comes days afteradditional fighter jets and navy warships were moved to the turbulent region.
US President Joe Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month and said the US would “support Israel’s defence against threats,” which would include “new defensive US military deployments".
"The President reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," read the readout of the call.
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Watch |Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran & proxies
Israel anticipates Iranian attack
Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme LeaderAyatollah Ali Khamenei said avengingHaniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.
“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"Khamenei said.
“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.
White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13.
However, there is uncertainty that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions.
(With inputs from agencies)