The Pentagon Press Secretary, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, has stated that there is still room for diplomacy to work in the Middle East amidst escalating tensions. The U.S. is taking measures to deter further conflict by moving forces into the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. This includes deploying F-22 Raptor aircraft, the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, and the USS Georgia guided missile submarine to the region. Currently, there are about 40,000 U.S. service members in the Centcom region.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is in regular communication with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other regional partners to monitor the situation closely. The U.S. is focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and securing a cease-fire to bring all hostages home and end the war in Gaza. Austin reassured Gallant of the U.S.’s commitment to defending Israel and emphasized the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The U.S. military force-posture adjustments are aimed at improving force protection, increasing support for Israel’s defense, and preparing to respond to various contingencies. Austin and Gallant discussed Israeli operations in Gaza, with the secretary emphasizing the importance of minimizing civilian harm. The U.S. is taking threats from Iran and Iranian-backed groups against Israel seriously but remains focused on de-escalation, pursuing a cease-fire, and ensuring the safe return of hostages.
The U.S. aims to prevent a wider, regional conflict in the Middle East and is prepared to defend Israel if necessary. While the focus is on diplomacy and de-escalation, the U.S. military is ready to employ its capabilities in defense of Israel. The goal is to avoid further escalation and conflict in the region, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation peacefully.
