The United States (U.S.) has announced that it will deploy B-52 bombers, fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and naval destroyers to the Middle East as the carrier strike group Abraham Lincoln prepares to depart the region.
The Pentagon stated that the deployment will take place in the coming months and will demonstrate the flexibility of U.S. military movements worldwide.
“If Iran, its partners, or allies take this moment to attack U.S.personnel or interests in the region, the U.S. will take all necessary measures to defend our people,” said Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder.
The U.S. maintained as many as two aircraft carriers in the Middle East over the past year amid rising tensions since the onset of the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.
The departure of the Lincoln will leave a temporary gap in carrier presence until another can be transferred to the Middle East.
This latest U.S. force adjustment in the region follows a direct exchange of fire in October between Israel and Iran. Israel is engaged in Gaza against Hamas, which is supported by Iran, as well as Hezbollah in Lebanon, and has also conducted strikes in Yemen after attacks from Iran-aligned Houthi fighters.
The U.S. has pledged to assist in defending Israel from attacks and to protect U.S. forces in the Middle East, which have come under fire from Iran-supported groups in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and along the coast of Yemen.
