The United States has mobilized its forces in the Middle East amid rising tensions between Iran and its proxies on one side and Israel on the other, following the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and Fouad Shukr, a Hezbollah leader, in an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The "New York Times" reported a U.S. military official stating that "U.S. forces in the Middle East are taking necessary actions to increase combat readiness and protect their troops and allies from any threats posed by Iran or its supported militias."
Meanwhile, the "Washington Post" revealed that the U.S. has deployed 12 warships in various locations across the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its accompanying vessels, as well as the Amphibious Ready Group "Wasp," which is a task force consisting of three ships with more than 4,000 Marines and sailors.
American analysts believe that Washington's actions aim to prevent escalation, keep the situation under control, and defend U.S. interests in the region, as well as address the anticipated Iranian response.
U.S. expert Richard Weitz, director of the Political-Military Analysis Center at the Hudson Institute, told "Sky News Arabia" that American military movements would help prevent escalation that the U.S. does not desire. "Weitz" believes that the Biden administration is convinced that Iran will attack Israel within days, as indicated by a call between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to details released by the U.S. site "Axios," Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel's security against all threats posed by Iran, including its proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Biden also discussed supporting Israel against ballistic missile and drone attacks, which includes deploying new U.S. defensive military forces, while emphasizing the need to de-escalate tensions in the region. The director of the Political-Military Analysis Center at the Hudson Institute noted that Washington is simultaneously trying to change Iran's perspective or at least assist Israel in defending itself against another significant Iranian attack.
