WASHINGTON: The United States has significantly strengthened its military posture in the Middle East over the past year following the breakout of the war between Israel and Hamas, with tensions increasing further in the days after Israel launched air strikes across Lebanon.
In response to growing unrest, US military forces have been actively involved in protecting both US and allied interests. On October 1, US Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean intercepted Iranian missile attacks targeting Israel.
Approximately 12 interceptors were fired by US forces to counter nearly 200 missiles launched by Iran, according to US officials.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin commended the military’s efforts, saying, “I am proud of the skill and the bravery of the US forces who took part in the interception of Iran’s attack. We will never hesitate to protect our forces and interests in the Middle East and to support the defense of Israel and our partners in the region.”
The US has stationed approximately 40,000 troops across the Middle East, primarily aimed at deterring any further escalation of violence, particularly in defense of Israel and US forces. This significant military buildup is intended to send a clear message of deterrence to adversaries in the region, including Iran.
While US forces in Iraq and Syria have been subject to frequent low-level attacks by militias, these incidents have slowed in recent months. However, the US has made it clear that any broader aggression would provoke a decisive military response.
To further strengthen its regional posture, the Pentagon deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East in early August. The move followed a series of confrontations involving US forces and militias.
The carrier strike group arrived later that month, marking one of the largest deployments of US naval power in the area in recent years.
