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THE United States’ flagship aircraft carrier fleet – including fighter jets and a guided-missile sub – is accelerating toward the Middle East in the latest alarming escalation.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln to speed to the region on Sunday evening.’

According to the Defense Department, Austin told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail quickly to the area.

The Lincoln is already in the Asia Pacific to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the Associated Press first reported.

It was scheduled to arrive in the Middle East at the end of the month, but Austin’s new order may mean its arrival will come sooner.

Austin spoke to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday to discuss security strategies.

The Pentagon’s press secretary said in a statement that the meeting was meant “to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions.”

Michael Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, is also reportedly in the Middle East, although the exact location he’s visiting hasn’t been disclosed.

TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The region has experienced turmoil due to the war between Israel and Hamas.

The assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh has increased tensions as US government officials continue to push for a cease-fire deal.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard blamed Haniyeh’s death on Israel and accused the US of supporting it.

Haniyeh was in Iran when he was assassinated while attending the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

“The action was designed and carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the US,” Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said in a statement.

They added that they were prepared to push “harsh punishment in the suitable time, place, and capacity.”

The Guard also warned of “blood vengeance” and said that killing was “certain.”

Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to retaliate against Israel after the assassination.

Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement in Haniyeh’s death.

As a retaliation attack looms, the US embassy in Lebanon urged citizens to flee the country.

Iran’s increased involvement in the Israel-Hamas war could jeopardize a cease-fire deal.

IRAN’S MISSILE STRIKE

The assassination occurred after Iran launched a missile strike on Israel on April 13.

Iran fired 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles, according to the Associated Press.

The strike marked the first direct fire between the two countries.

Israel said 99% of the missiles and drones were intercepted.

President Biden said US forces helped Israel defend itself against the attack and pledged to develop a unified response to the conflict.

The United Nations chief and foreign officials condemned the Iranian attack.

Two weeks before the attack, a suspected Israeli strike killed two Iranian generals in Syria.

Iran doesn’t recognize Israel and supports Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Originally published in The U.S. Sun on August 11, 2024

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