US Sending More Fighter Jets, Warships to Middle East in Case of Escalation

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) (L) the Royal Navy air defense destroyer HMS Defender (D 36), and the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) transit the Strait of Hormuz in this handout photo dated Nov. 19, 2019. Zachary Pearson/U.S. Navy via Getty Images

The Pentagon announced on Aug. 2 the deployment of additional warships and fighter jets to the Middle East amid growing concerns about possible Iranian retaliation against Israel.

The United States enhanced its military posture in the region after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to “take revenge” for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, political leader of the Hamas terrorist organization, in Iran on July 31.

Deputy Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said the defense chief has ordered the deployment of an additional fighter jet squadron, destroyers, and cruisers capable of ballistic missile defense to the Middle East.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which is currently deployed in the region, Singh said in a statement.

“The Department is also taking steps to increase our readiness to deploy additional land-based ballistic missile defense,” she said.

The latest military posture adjustments are intended to enhance U.S. force protection, bolster support for Israel’s defense, and ensure the U.S. military’s readiness in responding to “various contingencies.”

Singh said the United States remains “intently focused” on de-escalating tensions in the region and pushing for a Gaza cease-fire in exchange for the release of hostages by Hamas. However, it also “retains the capability to deploy on short notice to meet evolving national security threats.”

“The Department of Defense continues to take steps to mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or Iran’s partners and proxies,” she said.

Iraqi and Iranian clerics and officials hold a vigil at the office of the representative of Iran's supreme leader in Iraq's Shiite holy city of Najaf following the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (portrait) and others killed in strikes in Lebanon and Iraq, on Aug. 1, 2024. Qassem Al-Kaabi/AFP via Getty Images

Israel has not claimed credit for Haniyeh’s killing. Khamenei has vowed “severe punishment” and said it was his nation’s “duty” to take revenge for Haniyeh’s death because the attack took place in Iran.

Haniyeh was the political director of Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel, from 2017 until his death on July 31 at age 62.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby expressed concerns about the risk of possible escalation following Haniyeh’s death but said that there were “no signs that an escalation is imminent.”

Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Aug. 2 about the destabilizing threats posed by Iran. He reiterated support for Israel and informed Gallant of the changes in U.S. defense force posture.

The U.S. defense chief told Gallant that “further escalation is not inevitable and that all countries in the region would benefit from a de-escalation in tensions, including through completing a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal,” according to a Pentagon statement.

However, Austin said, the “unprecedented scale” of U.S. support for Israel since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack should make it clear to Iran and its proxies “about U.S. resolve.”

Dan M. Berger contributed to this report.