The Pentagon announced on Thursday (August 15) that the United States is increasing its forces in the Middle East. It reiterates its commitment to defend Israel and deter any aggressive behavior. Amid growing threats from Iran and various Tehran proxies who threaten to attack Israel. In retaliation for the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
“We are moving capabilities further into this region. Until the tensions in the region calm down. We are increasing our security presence. Where we need to protect Israel if Iran attacks,” said Sabrina Singh, the US Department of Defense's deputy communications secretary. He told reporters on Thursday (August 15).
Since the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Tehran, the Iranian government has threatened tough sanctions against Israel. After blaming Israel for the bombing that killed the Hamas leader
Asked about the Pentagon’s strategy for responding to the various threats from Iranian proxies in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, if they cooperate with Iran to attack Israel in coordination, Singh stressed that the United States and they have a duty to protect their interests and those of their allies. That includes Israel.
“If there is an attack on our forces, whether in Iraq or Syria, we always reserve the right to retaliate. At the time and place of our choosing,” she added, reiterating the Pentagon’s warning to Tehran. “We are speaking clearly with Iran, directly, publicly and privately. We do not want to see this situation escalate into a regional war,” she added.
Singh declined to comment on comments by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. That suggests Iran is showing weakness if not to avenge the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, but has nevertheless stressed that America is prepared to protect Israel. “We are strengthening our security presence,” he said. “To ensure that Israel is protected if Iran attacks, we don’t want to see that happen.”
The US Department of Defense spokesman also expressed concern about the possibility of Iran cooperating with regional proxies and allies. This includes Russia. In particular, the strengthening of military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. It is the main supplier of weapons to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine
She did not comment specifically on the developments in cooperation between Iran and Russia. At the same time, Russia continues its war in Ukraine. But she stressed that any threat to Israel will face a strong response from the United States.
The spokesman also dismissed doubts about the effectiveness of American deterrence, pointing to the success of previous defensive operations. During Iran’s April 13 missile and drone attack on Israel, “we demonstrated our air power. Our forces shot down more than 90 percent of the weapons fired at Israel.” Allied forces or Israeli forces, “If I were Iran, I would think about it carefully.”
Amid rising tensions, the United States has called for restraint and de-escalation. But on the other hand, they declare their support for Israel. Dealing with any attack “If Israel is attacked, of course we will go to defend Israel,” Singh said.
(Source: Iran Intel)