US deploys strike group, submarines to Middle East
The USS Florida sails during "Giant Shadow," a Naval Sea Systems Command/Naval Submarine Forces exercise to test the capabilities on January 22, 2003 off the coast of the Bahamas. (Photo by David Nagle via U.S. Navy)
The United States has expedited the deployment of a strike group of fighter jets and navy warships to the Middle East, responding to escalating tensions in the region following the assassinations of senior figures from Hamas and Hezbollah.
Pentagon orders accelerated deployment
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered the Abraham Lincoln strike group to accelerate its deployment to the Middle East.
In a rare public announcement, the Pentagon also revealed the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the region. These decisions were made after Austin’s discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Assassinations heighten tensions
The heightened military presence comes on the heels of the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Iran-backed Hamas, in Tehran on July 31. Iran has accused Israel of orchestrating the killing, though Israel has not officially claimed responsibility.
The situation further escalated with the death of Fuad Shukr, a senior military commander of Hezbollah, in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut. These events have fueled fears that the conflict in Gaza could spiral into a broader Middle East war.
Cease-fire talks in jeopardy
Amid these developments, efforts to renew cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are facing significant hurdles. On Friday, leaders from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar called for both parties to resume talks aimed at finalizing a cease-fire and hostage release deal by Aug. 15. While Israel agreed to send negotiators, Hamas has hinted at its reluctance to engage in another round of discussions.
In a statement released on Sunday, Hamas urged mediators to focus on implementing agreements reached last month, based on U.S. President Joe Biden’s proposal, rather than pursuing new rounds of negotiations. The group accused Israel of not being serious about a cease-fire, citing ongoing military actions as evidence.
Meanwhile, thousands of residents fled the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis over the weekend, following warnings from the Israeli military about a new operation targeting regrouped Hamas militants. The city, which had already suffered extensive damage during earlier clashes this year, faces the prospect of renewed violence.
