The United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East as a precautionary step intended to reduce escalating tensions in the area, according to a White House official. The move comes in the wake of heightened regional tensions following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, in Tehran. This incident occurred a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed Fuad Shukr, a senior commander of Hezbollah, both groups being Iranian allies.
Concerns are rising that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, which erupted last October, could spiral into a larger regional conflict. In response to Haniyeh’s assassination, Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of responsibility and have vowed to take retaliatory actions, with Hezbollah joining in these threats. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
On Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden will gather his national security team to assess developments in the Middle East and is expected to speak with King Abdullah of Jordan. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken relayed to G7 counterparts that there are indications Iran and Hezbollah may initiate attacks against Israel imminently, although the exact nature and timing of such actions remain uncertain.
The Pentagon announced plans to send additional fighter jets and Navy vessels to the region. Jonathan Finer, the White House’s deputy national security adviser, stated on CBS that the primary objective is to reduce tensions, deter potential attacks, and avert broader regional conflict. The U.S. and Israel are preparing for all contingencies.
Finer noted a previous “close call” for regional escalation in April, following an Iranian drone and missile attack targeting Israeli territory, which was framed as retaliation for an Israeli strike in Syria. The United States aims to be ready should tensions rise once more.
In discussions with his Israeli counterpart, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated America’s commitment to supporting Israel’s security and its right to defend itself against various Iranian-backed groups. Blinken also connected with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, stressing the need for all parties to act in ways that promote calm and stability in the region.
President Biden expressed optimism that Iran might choose to stand down despite its threats of retaliation for Haniyeh’s killing. Additionally, the U.S. has advised its citizens in Lebanon to make immediate evacuation plans, a recommendation echoed by the UK government. Canada has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Israel due to the ongoing conflict.
Haniyeh’s assassination adds to a series of high-profile killings of Hamas leaders amid a devastating war in Gaza that has reportedly claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives, according to local health officials. In response to the situation, Hamas has initiated a process to appoint a new leader to succeed Haniyeh.
International diplomatic efforts to mitigate further regional escalation are ongoing, with Jordan’s foreign minister planning to visit Iran to engage in discussions about the situation. Violence persists in the Palestinian territories, with reports of Israeli strikes resulting in substantial casualties, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region.