Fearing an Iranian revenge attack, the battle group of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is accelerating its advance towards the Middle East
The United States’ flagship aircraft carrier fleet – including fighter jets and a missile-guided submarine – is moving at an accelerated pace toward the Middle East in the latest worrying escalation.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln to head to the region at high speed on Sunday evening.
According to the Department of Defense, Austin ordered the battle group of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to sail quickly into the area.
As the Associated Press first reported, the Lincoln is already in the Asia-Pacific region to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
The shipment was scheduled to arrive in the Middle East later this month, but Austin’s new order could mean it arrives sooner.
Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday to discuss security strategies.
The Pentagon press secretary said in a statement that the goal of the meeting was “to take all possible steps to defend Israel and to note the strengthening of U.S. forces and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions.”
Michael Kurilla, commander of the US Central Command, is also reportedly in the Middle East. However, his exact whereabouts have not been disclosed.
TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The war between Israel and Hamas has caused unrest in the region.
The assassination of Hamas politician Ismail Haniyeh has increased tensions as US officials continue to push for a ceasefire.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard blamed Israel for Haniyeh’s death and accused the United States of supporting the country.
Haniyeh was in Iran when he was assassinated at the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian.
“The action was planned and carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the United States,” said a statement by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
They added that they were ready to enforce “tough penalties at the appropriate time, place and capacity.”
The Guard also warned against “blood feuds” and said killings were “certain.”
Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced retaliation against Israel after the assassination.
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in Haniyeh’s death.
Faced with the threat of a retaliatory attack, the US embassy in Lebanon urged its citizens to leave the country.
Iran’s increased involvement in the war between Israel and Hamas could jeopardize a ceasefire agreement.
Chronology of recent events in the Middle East
Tensions in the Middle East have increased due to Iran’s involvement in the war between Israel and Hamas. The most important events in this conflict are listed below.
- October 7, 2023 – Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages.
- October 8, 2023 – The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is participating in the war in support of Hamas
- 1 April 2024 – Two Iranian generals are killed in Syria and the country blames Israel
- 13 April 2024 – Iran launches a drone attack on Israel. This is the first direct attack between the two countries.
- July 31, 2024 – Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is assassinated in Iran and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard blames Israel for the attack.
- 5 August 2024 – US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin meets with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss security strategies
- 11 August 2024 – Austin orders the acceleration of an aircraft carrier battle group to the Middle East
Iran’s missile attack
The assassination occurred after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel on April 13.
According to the Associated Press, Iran fired 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles.
The attack was the first direct exchange of fire between the two countries.
Israel said 99 percent of the rockets and drones were intercepted.
President Biden said U.S. forces helped Israel defend against the attack and promised to develop a unified response to the conflict.
The UN chief and foreign officials condemned the Iranian attack.
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Two weeks before the attack, two Iranian generals were killed in Syria in a suspected Israeli attack.
Iran does not recognize Israel and supports Hamas and the Lebanese Hezbollah.