As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, Washington fears a broader, coordinated attack involving Iranian proxies, missiles, and drones.
In a decisive response to the intensifying standoff between Israel and Iran, the U.S. has ramped up its military presence by deploying a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. With tensions nearing a boiling point, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved the move as the White House prepares for a possible explosive escalation.
The Pentagon has reported that Austin has communicated with his Israeli counterpart and instructed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to expedite its deployment to the region.
“Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions,” read the statement.
The White House’s recent deployment of a key military asset follows the earlier movement of additional fighter jets and navy warships to the volatile region.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assuring that the US would “support Israel’s defence against threats,” including “new U.S. military deployments.”
According to the readout of the call, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Israel expects an Iranian onslaught
Israel is bracing for a potential war after the assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, which have been linked to the country.
Washington is particularly concerned after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that avenging Haniyeh’s death is their ‘duty’ and vowed retaliation against Israel.
“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and left us bereaved,” Khamenei stated.
He added, “We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this tragic and challenging incident that occurred on the territory of the Islamic Republic.”
The deployment occurs at a time when Hamas seems to be resisting calls to resume truce talks. The leaders of the US, Egypt, and Qatar urged Israel and Hamas to recommence negotiations in order to reach an agreement on a truce and the release of hostages by August 15.
Israel announced last week that it will send representatives to the talks. While Hamas initially indicated it was reviewing the offer, it has since suggested it might not join the current round.
Hamas tells mediators to launch Gaza truce plan
On Sunday, Hamas urged US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators to implement the ceasefire plan for Gaza proposed by US President Joe Biden, rather than holding “more negotiations.”
The group demanded that the mediators “present a plan to implement what they proposed to the movement… based on Biden’s vision and the UN Security Council resolution, and compel the occupation (Israel) to comply, rather than going through more negotiation rounds or new proposals,” as stated in their announcement.
It cited the Israeli “massacre against the displaced at Al-Tabieen school” and its “responsibilities towards our people and their interests” as reasons for its announcement.
Hamas stated that it has demonstrated flexibility throughout the negotiating process, but Israeli actions suggested a lack of seriousness regarding a ceasefire agreement.
Biden’s three-phase cease-fire proposal
On May 31, Biden unveiled what he said was a three-stage plan for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The first phase of the plan involves a “full and complete ceasefire” lasting six weeks, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from “all populated areas of Gaza.”
In return, Hamas would release “a number” of hostages taken in the October 7 attacks, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, and return the remains of those who were killed. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be freed.
Palestinian civilians would be permitted to return to their “homes and neighborhoods” across Gaza, including the heavily damaged northern regions.
During the initial six-week ceasefire, Israel and Hamas would negotiate the steps necessary for phase two, which aims for a permanent end to hostilities. The ceasefire could be extended if negotiations progress, with mediators working to ensure their continuation, as stated by Biden at the time.
In phase two, which would last about another six weeks, Israeli forces would fully withdraw from Gaza.
Hamas would release “all remaining living hostages,” including male Israeli soldiers, a key issue in past negotiations. If both sides adhere to the agreement, it would lead to a “permanent cessation of hostilities,” according to Biden, who cited an Israeli proposal.
In the third and final stage, a major reconstruction and stabilization plan for Gaza would be launched, supported by the US and the international community.
Countries call for peace in the region
In a joint statement released on Monday, the leaders of France, Germany, and Britain supported calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages held by Hamas, and the “unfettered” delivery of humanitarian aid.
Thousands of residents left Khan Younis in southern Gaza over the weekend as a result of an Israeli military warning of a new operation to drive out Hamas militants who it claims had regrouped there. The IDF fought for months to capture Khan Younis at the start of the year, during which time the city was severely damaged.
The White House anticipates that Tehran’s response could mirror the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13.
However, concerns remain that the attack could be more extensive and complex, potentially involving coordinated strikes from Iranian proxies on multiple fronts.
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