“Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a post on X.
While he didn’t specify the additional assets involved, a U.S. official confirmed earlier Monday that the military had repositioned a significant number of refueling tanker aircraft to Europe. The official noted that the move was meant to “provide options” for President Trump amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Another defense official confirmed that Hegseth had also ordered the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the region to reinforce defensive operations and protect American personnel. Though the deployment had been pre-planned, it was fast-tracked in light of recent events. The strike group includes roughly 5,000 personnel and over 60 aircraft, including fighter jets.
In a related move, U.S. European Command deployed two Navy destroyers to the eastern Mediterranean on Friday. These vessels are equipped to intercept guided missiles and strengthen regional defenses.
The latest military activity comes as the Israel-Iran conflict has entered its fourth consecutive day. Following Israel’s initial strike on Tehran last Friday, both nations have launched ongoing retaliatory attacks. Israeli officials have warned that the conflict may last “weeks, not days,” with fears growing that it could spill into a broader regional war.
Israel’s offensive began after accusing Iran of nearing nuclear weapon capability. In the days since, both countries have exchanged heavy missile fire, resulting in significant casualties. Current estimates indicate that at least 24 people have been killed in Israel, while more than 220 have died in Iran, making this the deadliest exchange between the two countries to date.
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