The United States is set to send additional combat aircraft to the Middle East in response to escalating threats from Iran and its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, who are planning attacks on Israel, according to American officials. The move comes in the wake of the recent death of Ismail Haniyeh, as Iran seeks to avenge his passing.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a U.S. military official revealed that necessary measures are being taken to enhance combat readiness and protect U.S. troops and allies against potential threats from Iran and Iran-backed groups in the region. The exact number of planes to be sent is still being determined, pending final approvals from senior officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III.

Officials are carefully considering the appropriate American response, aiming to deploy sufficient aircraft of the right kinds to defend Israel without exacerbating the conflict further. Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, hinted at the possibility of additional troops being sent to operate the extra capabilities being dispatched to the region, emphasizing that the support would be purely defensive in nature.

During a phone call between Defense Secretary Austin and his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, the former assured that the United States would assist Israel in its defense. Pentagon spokeswoman Singh confirmed that force protection in the region would be strengthened. Mr. Austin also expressed concerns about the dangers of escalation, asserting that de-escalation would be beneficial for all countries in the region.

The Pentagon is also bracing for potential attacks from Iran-backed groups such as the Houthis in Yemen and Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, as part of anticipated Iranian retaliation for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. In addition to a considerable number of ground-based combat aircraft, the Pentagon has already deployed over a dozen warships in the region. The aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, equipped with F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35 attack planes, currently sails near the Arabian Gulf. The U.S.S. Wasp amphibious ready group, carrying airplanes, helicopters, and thousands of Marines and sailors, operates in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The deployment of additional air power is deemed vital given the previous major attack by Iran against Israel in April. Although Iran fired over 300 drones and missiles, only a few were able to bypass defenses, resulting in minimal damage. U.S. Air Force jets based in Jordan and Saudi Arabia collaborated with French, Jordanian, and British Air Force fighters to shoot down more than 80 drones.

The April attack served as a signal from Iran, affording the Pentagon sufficient time to mobilize additional combat aircraft and Navy ships while coordinating access to airspace for fighter jets and bolstering ground-based air defense systems to protect Israel. However, it remains uncertain whether sufficient preparation time will be available to Israel and its allies in the face of any upcoming major Iranian attacks.

As tensions rise in the region, the United States continues to closely monitor the situation and take necessary actions to protect its interests and support its allies.