Map Illustrating U.S. Military Positions in the Middle East

The U.S. decision to send warships and squadrons of fighter jets to the Middle East represents the largest deployment of American forces to the region since the early days of the Gaza war, when the Pentagon dispatched two strike carrier groups to the region in a highly publicized operation. This serves as a warning to regional armed groups against escalating the conflict. The area is bracing for Iranian retaliation after the country's supreme leader vowed to attack Israel due to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this week. Israel has not commented on the killing. U.S. officials stated that the anticipated Iranian attack could occur in the coming days, and the United States is closely monitoring the region for any indications of how it may unfold. The officials indicated that the attack could resemble the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran against Israel in April, but it could also be larger and more complex, coordinated with Iran's proxies in the region.