Iran-Israel tensions, US sends missile submarine and aircraft carrier

2024-08-12 14:21:18Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

The United States is sending a remote-controlled missile submarine to the Middle East as tensions in the region continue to rise.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also said an aircraft carrier headed for the area would get there sooner. The moves come amid fears of a dangerous escalation of the regional conflict, following the killing of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders by Israel.

They signal Washington's determination to defend its ally, Israel, from any attack by Iran, with Austin making it clear that the US would take every possible step: "Secretary Austin reiterated the US commitment to take every step of possible to protect Israel and announced the strengthening of the US military presence and capabilities in the Middle East in the face of the risk of escalating tensions". 

According to the statement, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which carries F-35C fighter jets, to expedite its journey there. Iran is being watched closely for any possible sign of how it might respond to the July 31 assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

The Iranians blame Israel and have vowed to punish it. So, another possible attack could come from Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia in Lebanon. The group has pledged to respond to the killing of senior commander Fuad Shukr. Analysts estimate that by making public the deployment of military forces to the region, the US intends to prevent Iran and Hezbollah, but according to them there are indications that Tehran is planning something and may attack.

Although Washington is lobbying hard for a ceasefire, Hamas reacted on Sunday evening that any peace talks should be based on the plans previously on the table, not new negotiations.  


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