The U.S. military is increasing its deployment of fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East, according to the Pentagon, in response to threats from Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. This move comes as the U.S. anticipates possible Iranian retaliation for the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved the deployment of additional Navy cruisers and destroyers, equipped to intercept ballistic missiles, to both the Middle East and Europe. An extra squadron of fighter jets will also be sent to the Middle East. The Pentagon stated these measures are intended to enhance U.S. force protection, support Israel's defense, and prepare for various potential scenarios.

Despite earlier speculation that the Pentagon might not replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group in the Middle East after its current mission, Austin has decided to rotate in the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier strike group as a replacement. The Pentagon also announced plans to increase readiness for deploying more land-based ballistic missile defenses.

Prior to an attack by Iran on Israeli territory on April 13, involving drones and missiles, the U.S. had already intensified military deployments. The threat posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon presents unique challenges due to the group's extensive arsenal and close proximity to Israel. Israel, with U.S. and allied support, successfully intercepted nearly 300 drones and missiles at that time.

President Biden, in a recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, discussed new U.S. military deployments to support Israel against threats from missiles and drones. Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of Haniyeh's assassination and have vowed retaliation. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the killing. Haniyeh's death is part of a series of targeted killings of senior Hamas figures as the Gaza conflict with Israel approaches its 11th month, raising concerns about the potential spread of the conflict across the Middle East.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated that the U.S. does not believe escalation is inevitable and emphasized the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement. An Israeli delegation is set to travel to Cairo for negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage release deal, as announced by Netanyahu's office.