US keeps elevated military presence in Middle East as Israel-Hezbollah tensions simmer

The United States has sustained an increased military presence in the Middle East for much of the past year, with approximately 40,000 troops, at least a dozen warships, and four Air Force fighter squadrons stationed across the region, according to multiple US officials.

The heightened deployment aims to protect regional allies and deter potential attacks, particularly as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have sharply escalated this week, Caliber.Az reports, citing American media.

The surge in attacks between Israel and Hezbollah has raised concerns that the conflict could spiral into a broader war, even as Israel continues its nearly yearlong battle against Hamas militants in Gaza. The situation intensified after Hezbollah claimed Israel had crossed a “red line” by launching explosive attacks on its communications systems. In response, the Iran-backed militant group vowed to continue missile strikes, which began after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza conflict.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been in frequent communication with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and announced the start of a “new phase” of the war, shifting focus to the northern front against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Despite the escalation, the US has not signaled any immediate increase in its military presence, relying on the already bolstered force in the region.

“We’re confident in the ability that we have there right now to protect our forces and should we need to come to the defence of Israel as well,” Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated on September 19.

Typically, the US maintains around 34,000 troops under its Central Command, covering the Middle East. However, in the early stages of the Israel-Hamas war, that number rose to about 40,000, with additional ships and aircraft deployed.

In recent weeks, US troop levels peaked at nearly 50,000, following the deployment of two aircraft carriers to the region. One of these carrier strike groups has since moved to the Asia-Pacific, reducing the US presence but still maintaining a significant force in the Middle East.