The United States has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Middle East amid growing fears of a regional conflict.
In response to the escalating tensions following the assassinations of top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the region and accelerated the transit of an aircraft carrier strike group.
The move underscores the US commitment to Israel’s security and serves as a deterrent to potential aggression from Iran and Hezbollah.
While Iran has blamed Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Tehran has yet to publicly reveal its next steps. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has vowed to retaliate for the death of its senior commander, Fuad Shukr.
The heightened tensions have prompted several airlines to suspend flights to the region, including Lufthansa, Swiss Air, and Air France.
The US has called for a resumption of ceasefire talks in Gaza, but Hamas has demanded that the previously agreed-upon plan be implemented without further negotiations.
The Biden administration has placed blame on Hamas for the stalled talks but has also criticized Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for undermining the peace process.
The UK, France, and Germany have joined the US in calling for a swift return to ceasefire negotiations.
