The US is bracing for Iran to make good on its vow to respond to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday in Tehran - one in a series of killings of senior figures in the Palestinian militant group as the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved sending additional navy cruisers and destroyers - which can shoot down ballistic missiles - to the Middle East and Europe.
It is also sending an additional squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East.
NEWS: U.S. Will Send More Defensive Military Capabilities to Middle East — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) https://t.co/eT6R1aKNIuAugust 2, 2024
"Austin has ordered adjustments to US military posture designed to improve US force protection, to increase support for the defence of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies," the Pentagon said in a statement.
US President Joe Biden, in a phone call on Thursday with Netanyahu, discussed new US defensive military deployments to support Israel against threats such as missiles and drones, the White House said.
Iran and Hamas have both accused Israel of carrying out the killing and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it.
Haniyeh's death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel nears its 11th month and concern grows that the conflict is spreading across the Middle East.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, sparking vows of retaliation from the group. (AP PHOTO)
Earlier, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said the US did not believe escalation was inevitable.
"I think we are being very direct in our messaging that certainly we don't want to see heightened tensions and we do believe there is an off-ramp here and that is that ceasefire deal," Singh said.
Meanwhile, an Israeli delegation will travel to Cairo in the coming days for negotiations to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office says.
"The negotiating team for a hostage deal will depart for Cairo on Saturday night or on Sunday," his office said.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri commented on the announcement, telling Reuters, "Netanyahu does not want to stop the war and is using these empty statements to cover up his crimes and evade their consequences".
