In response to increasing tensions in the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of additional military forces to the region.
This includes speeding up the movement of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and sending the USS Georgia, a nuclear submarine armed with cruise missiles.
The Pentagon announced these steps in a press release after Austin's conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The decision is part of the United States' commitment to support Israel and strengthen its military presence in the Middle East amid growing concerns about potential threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and other groups backed by Iran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, which carries F-35C fighter jets, will join the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area, which is responsible for military operations in the Middle East.
Another aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is already in the region.
The USS Georgia submarine has also been ordered to the CENTCOM area to further boost U.S. military capabilities.
During the meeting, Austin and Gallant also discussed Israel's military actions in Gaza, the need to reduce civilian casualties, progress toward a ceasefire, and efforts to deal with threats from Iranian-backed groups.
