In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East and threats of retaliation from Iran, the United States military has shifted its focus to the region, repositioning warships and reinforcing defensive capabilities. Following the recent killings of militant leaders, the Pentagon is taking steps to defend against a potential attack on Israel, according to U.S. officials.

The volatile situation stems from the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. Haniyeh was killed in a daring attack at a residence in Tehran, while Shukr was targeted in an Israeli airstrike in a Beirut suburb. Although Israel has not claimed responsibility publicly, U.S. officials privately acknowledge its involvement in both incidents.

These events have brought the region dangerously close to a full-blown conflict, perhaps at a level not witnessed since the start of the Gaza war 10 months ago. Iran has long supported various groups opposed to Israel and the United States, providing them with weapons and training. Receivers of Iranian backing include Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and militias in Iraq and Syria.

While details regarding defensive preparations remain undisclosed, the White House confirmed that President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to Israel's security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The two leaders discussed efforts to bolster Israel's defense, encompassing ballistic missile and drone threats, with the possibility of new U.S. military deployments.

U.S. officials have refused to provide specifics on the defensive deployments, but the region currently hosts a wide array of aircraft, ballistic missile defenses, and warships. Anonymous sources revealed that the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, along with at least five other warships, have recently relocated from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. This strategic move places them off the shores of Iran while heading towards Israel if they sail west around Yemen and into the Red Sea.

The Houthi militants in Yemen, who have targeted commercial vessels and even struck Israel with a deadly drone attack, have made this repositioning necessary. Israel responded to these attacks with airstrikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

The escalating tensions draw parallels to a previous incident in April when Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel, prompting U.S. military intervention to intercept and neutralize the threats. As tensions continue to escalate, the Pentagon remains prepared to respond accordingly.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been in close contact with President Biden and is expected to order further strategic moves in the coming days. The U.S. fleet in the region consists of various warships, including the USS Daniel Inouye, USS Russell, USS Cole, USS Laboon, and USS Michael Murphy. The destroyer USS John S. McCain remains in the Persian Gulf.

Additionally, five other U.S. warships positioned in the eastern Mediterranean Sea stand ready to assist Israel if required. Among them are the USS Wasp, USS Oak Hill, USS New York, USS Bulkeley, and USS Roosevelt. The Bulkeley and Roosevelt possess offensive and defensive ballistic missile capabilities.

The Pentagon has the option to redeploy Air Force fighter jets closer to Israel for further support. In April, F-15 fighter squadrons from the United States and Britain were deployed nearby, successfully intercepting numerous drones. These movements were kept classified prior to their execution.

The ongoing Israel-Gaza war has already caused significant casualties and displacement, with tensions spilling into the surrounding Middle East region. Despite occasional strains in the relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. politicians, including President Biden, the United States maintains its support for Israel, providing weapons, aid packages, and vetoing or abstaining from United Nations cease-fire resolutions.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its deep-rooted historical complexities, pre-dates the establishment of Israel in 1948. As tensions remain high, the United States continues to prioritize the security and defense of Israel, ensuring a robust and proactive military presence in the region.