New York Times: America Prepares to Deploy More Warplanes to the Middle East

The New York Times reported on Friday, August 12, citing American officials, that the U.S. is preparing to send more warplanes to the Middle East in response to threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxy forces in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen regarding potential attacks on Israel in the coming days. An unnamed U.S. military official told the New York Times that American forces in the Middle East will take 'necessary measures' to increase military readiness and protect U.S. forces and their allies against any threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran or its supported militia groups. The number of warplanes to be sent and final approval from senior U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, is still under review. According to the report, the U.S. is considering the type of response through the deployment of 'appropriate' aircraft as soon as possible to assist in defending Israel without escalating conflicts in the region. Earlier, Axios reported, citing U.S. officials, that retaliation from the Islamic Republic is expected to occur similarly to the April 14 attack on Israel but could be on a larger scale and involve Hezbollah from Lebanon. The U.S. Central Command announced that following the April 14 attack by the Islamic Republic, with support from U.S. European Command destroyers, over 80 suicide drones and at least six ballistic missiles launched by the Islamic Republic and Yemen targeting Israel were intercepted and destroyed. A U.S. defense official told the Washington Post that the increase in tensions in the Middle East following the deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah officials did not compel the Pentagon to deploy additional forces, but the United States has stationed at least 12 warships in the surrounding areas. This official stated that the ships include the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, its accompanying warships, and the Amphibious Ready Group 'Wasp,' which consists of three ships and over 4,000 Marines and sailors. The USS Theodore Roosevelt was stationed in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, August 1, along with six American destroyers. An Israeli government spokesperson also stated on Thursday, August 10, that Israel is prepared for any potential retaliation by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its allies for the killing of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders and will respond 'severely' to any attack. U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the United States' commitment to Israel's security against all threats from the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, August 10. In this call, which also included Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden supported efforts to uphold Israel's right to defend itself against threats, including those from ballistic missiles and drones, naming the Islamic Republic's proxy 'terrorist' groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. A proposal is being presented to the U.S. Senate for the use of military force against the Islamic Republic under specific conditions. Regional media report that Hezbollah is evacuating its positions in Beirut and that the Islamic Republic's proxies are on alert. Axios reported on the U.S. readiness for a 'potential attack by the Islamic Republic' on Israel. Israel announced that the 'responsible for the murder of children in Majdal Shams' has been killed; Gallant stated that the 'removal' of a senior Hezbollah commander shows that Israel will take revenge for its people. France has warned its citizens to 'leave Iran immediately' due to unprecedented tensions in the Middle East. The largest airline in India has suspended its flights to Israel for one week.