The United States has sent a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. This move comes as fears grow that Iran might retaliate against Israel. The escalation follows the killing of a senior Hamas leader. Iran has already begun military drills near the Iraqi border. The Pentagon has also sped up the arrival of the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the region.
Pentagon Confirms Deployment
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the deployment of the submarine. He spoke with his Israeli counterpart over the weekend. Secretary Austin emphasized America’s commitment to defending Israel. He also highlighted the strengthening of US military capabilities in the Middle East.
Iran’s Military Drills
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have launched military exercises in Kermanshah, a western province close to Iraq. An Iranian official stated that these drills aim to enhance combat readiness and vigilance. Iran has accused Israel of assassinating Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Retaliation from Iran has been anticipated.
Israeli and US Concerns
Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement in Haniyeh’s death. Western nations are urging Iran to exercise restraint. There are concerns that any retaliation could spark a broader regional conflict. Reports suggest that Israeli intelligence believes Iran might launch a direct attack soon.
Internal Debate in Iran
According to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, there is a debate within Iran about the response. The Revolutionary Guards advocate for a severe retaliation. In contrast, President Masoud Pezeshkian is cautious and prefers to avoid escalation. This internal disagreement could impact Iran’s next moves.
Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
The conflict between Israel and Gaza continues. The war began on October 7 when Hamas militants breached Israeli defenses. The initial attack killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to the abduction of around 250 individuals. In response, Israeli strikes have resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Recent Strike on School Shelter
On Saturday, an Israeli strike hit a school turned shelter in Gaza, killing 80 people. The school, Tabeen, was sheltering around 6,000 displaced individuals. The missiles hit the shelter despite its status as a refuge for civilians. This tragic event underscores the severity of the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
International Reactions
The international community is closely watching the situation. There are concerns that further escalation could lead to a larger conflict. Many countries are calling for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to prevent a broader regional war.
The US deployment of military submarine reflects the high stakes and growing concerns about the potential for conflict in the Middle East. The situation remains tense, with multiple actors involved and significant risks of further escalation.