The United States military remains prepared in the Middle East to defend Israel from potential attacks by Iran or its proxies, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. U.S. Central Command is closely monitoring the situation in the region, and U.S. naval and air forces are positioned to support the defense of Israel and protect American troops and assets in the area. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has reaffirmed America’s commitment to defend Israel through calls to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Currently, there are two U.S. carrier strike groups in the region, centered around the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the USS Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, a squadron of F-22 Raptors has been deployed, and the missile submarine USS Georgia is en route to the area. These forces will remain in the region as long as necessary. The focus remains on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and working towards securing a cease-fire as part of a hostage deal to bring all hostages home and end the conflict in Gaza.
In a separate incident, the Greek-flagged oil tanker MV Delta Sounion was attacked by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in the Red Sea. The ship, carrying a million barrels of crude oil from Iraq to Greece, was set on fire, forcing the crew of two Russians and 23 Filipinos to evacuate with the help of a partner nation vessel. The ship is currently immobilized and leaking oil, posing both a navigational hazard and an environmental threat. The Houthis claimed the attack was in support of the Palestinian people, but it is viewed as a reckless act of terrorism that endangers civilian lives and the maritime ecosystem in the region.
Centcom is collaborating with allies and partners to assist the vessel and mitigate the potential environmental impact of the attack. Despite threats from the Houthis towards third parties attempting to salvage the ship, efforts are being made to address the situation. The deployment of U.S. military capabilities in the region serves as a deterrent to prevent a wider regional conflict. Ryder emphasized that the conflict between Israel and Hamas is currently contained to Gaza, with occasional cross-border strikes between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah. Efforts are focused on de-escalating tensions in the region to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
