On Friday, the United States announced the deployment of additional military assets to the Middle East, including ballistic missile defense destroyers and long-range B-52 bombers, as a warning to Iran amid escalating strikes between Iran and Israel.
"Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people," said Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said in a statement.
The additional resources build on earlier U.S. defense deployments to the Middle East in support of Israel, including a THAAD missile defense system deployed late last month and operated by American troops on the ground.
Ryder stated that the new forces "will begin to arrive in the coming months."
Israel launched significant strikes against Iran on October 26, devastating military infrastructure to the Islamic republic while steering clear of critical nuclear and oil sites.
In 2024, Iran has conducted two major attacks against Israel: one in April following a strike on its consulate in Damascus, which was attributed to Israel, and another in October, which Tehran claimed was a response to the assassination of leaders of armed groups it supports in the Middle East.
Observers warn the continued military operations between the regional rivals could escalate further.
(Source:AFP)
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
