United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the deployment of a guided-missile submarine to the Middle East and expedited the arrival of a carrier strike group in the region, amid concerns over a potential Iranian attack on Israel.
The Pentagon announced on Sunday evening that Austin ordered the USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with cruise missiles, to move into Middle Eastern waters. The movement of such submarines is typically kept secret, highlighting the significance of this public disclosure.
This announcement sends a strong deterrent message to Iran and its allies, who are believed by the US and Israel to be preparing for a large-scale assault on Israel. This anticipated attack is thought to be in retaliation for Israel’s actions in July, including the killing of Hezbollah’s top military commander in Lebanon and the assassination of Hamas’ political leader in Tehran.
On Sunday evening, the Israel Defense Forces reported that approximately 30 rockets were launched from Lebanon, with some landing in open areas and causing no injuries. Hezbollah later claimed responsibility, stating the rockets were in support of the “steadfast Palestinian people” in Gaza and in response to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
Austin’s orders were outlined in a readout of a conversation between him and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The readout noted that they discussed “efforts to deter aggression by Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region.”
In addition, Austin has instructed the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to hasten its journey to the Middle East. The strike group includes the Lincoln carrier, which operates stealth F-35C fighter jets, along with several destroyers.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group has been stationed in the Middle East for several weeks, strengthening the US military presence in the area. The USS Wasp amphibious ready group, which carries a substantial force of Marines capable of special operations, is also active in the Mediterranean Sea.
