Iran Pentagon: Prepare military capabilities in Middle East for "crisis"

In view of the escalating situation in the Middle East, the USA will reorganize its military capacities in the region in order to be better able to respond to an escalation. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has informed his Israeli counterpart Joav Galant of this, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh announced, but remained cautious with regard to the details. Final decisions are therefore still pending.

The aim is to support Israel's defense and to be able to respond to the "developing crisis" in the region, Singh explained. "The minister will decide on the specific troops or capabilities. I don't have a specific timeline." When asked, the spokeswoman confirmed that additional US soldiers could also be deployed to the region as part of the measures. "Because if the Secretary decides to include additional defense capabilities, they will need to be served by additional personnel."

Following the targeted killing of Hamas foreign leader Ismail Haniya in Tehran, Iran has threatened Israel with massive retaliation. It is not clear how the Islamist leader was killed. Iran and Hamas hold Israel responsible. Israel has not yet commented on this. It is feared that the incident could bring Israel and Iran to the brink of a military conflict.

US President Joe Biden expressed his "deep concern" about this on Thursday and, according to his own statements, also had a "very direct" telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the US President, the killing of Haniya "did not help" the negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

SDA