US Ramps Up Middle East Military Presence, Warns of Iran-Backed Attack

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and instructed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to hasten its journey to the region. The US believes Iran or its proxies might attack Israel within the week. This information was disclosed by the Defense Department on Sunday.

John Kirby, White House national security spokesman, mentioned that Iran's response to recent events "could be this week," but it remains uncertain what form an attack might take. He stated, "The president is confident that we have the capability available to us to help defend Israel should it come to that," adding, "Nobody wants to see it come to that."

US Military Movements

The USS Abraham Lincoln, previously stationed in the Asia Pacific, had been ordered to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group in the Middle East. Last week, Austin indicated that the Lincoln would reach the Central Command area by month's end. However, it remains unclear how much faster it will now proceed.

Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, noted that Austin conversed with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant earlier in the day. Austin reaffirmed America's commitment "to take every possible step to defend Israel" and highlighted the bolstering of US military capabilities in the Middle East due to rising regional tensions.

International Reactions

A joint statement from leaders of the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy urged Iran to cease its threats against Israel. They also discussed potential severe consequences for regional security if such an attack occurred.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his concerns about a potential regional conflict during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday. The German government reported Scholz's worries about escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Vatican's Cardinal Pietro Parolin also spoke with Pezeshkian on Monday. According to a Vatican statement, Parolin emphasized "the need to avoid in any way the widening of the very serious conflict underway."

Recent Developments

In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter early Saturday, resulting in at least 80 deaths and nearly 50 injuries. Palestinian health authorities reported this as one of the deadliest attacks in the 10-month Israel-Hamas war.

Austin and Gallant also discussed Israel's military operations in Gaza and stressed minimizing civilian casualties during their conversation.

The Lincoln carries F-35 fighter jets and F/A-18 fighter aircraft. Ryder did not specify how quickly the USS Georgia guided missile submarine would arrive in the region.

The US and its allies are pushing for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas following recent high-profile assassinations. These include Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

Officials are wary of retaliatory strikes from both Iran and Hezbollah due to these killings. The US has increased its presence in the region as a precautionary measure.

The article concludes by reiterating that while preparations are underway for potential attacks, efforts continue to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic channels and military readiness.