U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has accelerated the deployment of a guided missile submarine and the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group to West Asia in response to escalating tensions and reports of possible Iranian attacks on Israel. This move comes amid a backdrop of recent assassinations and growing regional unrest, prompting international appeals for a ceasefire and restraint.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered the expedited deployment of a guided missile submarine and the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, which is equipped with F-35 fighters, to West Asia.
This move, announced by the Pentagon on Sunday, comes amid escalating tensions in the region.
The escalation follows the recent assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut. Iran has vowed retaliation, raising concerns about a broader conflict.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed Austin that Iran’s military activities indicate preparations for a large-scale attack on Israel. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are conducting military drills near the Iraqi border to enhance combat readiness.
The UK, France, and Germany have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged Iran and its allies to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.
These countries support ongoing efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a ceasefire, which includes a three-phase plan for Hamas to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Air France and its subsidiary Transavia France have extended their suspension of flights to Beirut through August 15 due to security concerns, with plans to reassess the situation before resuming services.
Other international carriers have also halted flights to Beirut amid fears of military escalation.
Iran’s acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, has asserted Iran’s right to respond to Israel’s actions to maintain regional stability. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has condemned recent statements by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to cut off aid to Gaza as incitement to war crimes.
Borrell has urged the EU to consider sanctions and called on Israel to engage in ceasefire negotiations in good faith.
