US military expands presence in Middle East, repositions forces around Iran

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U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday that military forces would adjust their posture in the Middle East after a strike in Iran killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

In the statement, the Pentagon said it would move a squadron of jet fighters to the Middle East and continue to maintain its aircraft carrier in the region.

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Additionally, fulfilling a promise to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden ordered additional cruisers and destroyers capable of defending against ballistic missiles to the region.

“To maintain carrier strike group presence in the Middle East, the Secretary has directed the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group to replace the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group, currently deployed to the Central Command area of responsibility,” the Pentagon statement read.

President Joe Biden steps off Marine One

President Joe Biden arrives at the Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Del., Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Biden is spending the weekend at his Delaware home. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

“These posture adjustments complement the broad range of capabilities the U.S. military maintains in the region, including the USS WASP Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) operating in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the statement continued.

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The move to bolster defenses in the Middle East follows the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on Wednesday. Senior Hezbollah official Fuad Shukur was also killed in Beirut the previous day.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin smiles

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin smiles as he answers a question during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

According to the Pentagon statement, it is unclear exactly where the squadron or aircraft carrier would be based in the Middle East.

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The statement concluded: “The United States also remains highly focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and pursuing a ceasefire as part of a hostage agreement to repatriate hostages and end the war in Gaza.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.