US to deploy extra forces to Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran

The United States is deploying additional warships and fighter jets to the Middle East to bolster Israel's defense against potential attacks from Iran and its proxies, the Pentagon announced.

This move comes in response to heightened tensions following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and a key Hezbollah commander in Lebanon, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Pentagon has placed missile defense forces on heightened alert, reaffirming its "ironclad" commitment to Israel's defense. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed "harsh punishment" against Israel for Haniyeh's killing.

Haniyeh, 62, was a central figure in Hamas and instrumental in ceasefire negotiations in the ongoing Gaza conflict. His death in Tehran, alongside Israel's killing of Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah's top military commander in Lebanon, has escalated tensions further.

The Pentagon stated that the new deployments would enhance US force protection, support Israel's defense, and prepare for various contingencies. This includes sending additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the region.

Despite the relaxed atmosphere on Tel Aviv's seafront, Israel remains on high alert, with several international airlines suspending flights. Israeli ministers have been equipped with satellite phones in case of an attack on communication infrastructure.

In related developments, Israeli forces killed a Hamas operative in the West Bank, and airstrikes on Gaza have claimed dozens of Palestinian lives in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, an Israeli delegation is expected to travel to Cairo for negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and hostage release.

The conflict, sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which left 1,200 people dead, has seen Israel retaliate with an ongoing military operation in Gaza, resulting in nearly 40,000 deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that "challenging days lie ahead" and stated that Israel is prepared for any scenario. The US, however, has expressed hope for de-escalation, with Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasizing the possibility of a ceasefire deal.