Pentagon boosts US presence in Middle East amid Iran response threat
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One US defense official has revealed that "additional assets" were being moved to "bolster regional deterrence efforts."
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Pentagon Spokesperson Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, on September 6, 2022. (AP)
US army reinforcements are on their way to the Middle East, amid worries that "Israel's" war on Gaza may spark a larger regional conflict, especially amid the anticipated Iranian retaliation to the Israeli attack on its consulate in Syria.
One US defense official told The Washington Post that "additional assets" were being moved to "bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for U.S. forces."
Another US defense official aware of the Pentagon's plans declined to reveal which ships or planes are participating, citing security concerns. Warships stationed in the vicinity, such as the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the destroyers USS Carney and USS Arleigh Burke, remain close, according to the source.
The US government expects that the Iranian response to the April 1 aggression will be "larger than usual" but not significant enough to elicit a reaction from Washington, according to two anonymous US officials cited by the news outlet on Thursday.
Israeli media reported on Friday that Iran's threat to retaliate for the assassination of Quds Force leaders in the attack that targeted its consulate in Syria has left "Israel" paralyzed with fear.
US President Joe Biden said Friday he was expecting Iran's retaliation against an Israeli strike "sooner than later," warning Tehran not to launch an attack on the Israeli occupation entity.
Meanwhile, Iran sent a message to the White House through mediators, explaining that if the United States gets involved on "Israel's" side in a possible confrontation, US forces in the region will be attacked, three US officials told Axios.
