The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East amid rising regional tensions.
A guided missile submarine, the USS Georgia, has been deployed, and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, equipped with F-35C jets, is being expedited to the region.
This move is in response to recent assassinations of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders and aims to bolster defenses against potential Iranian retaliation.
Iran, who blame Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, has vowed retribution, and its response remains closely watched. Hezbollah has also pledged retaliation for the killing of one of its commanders.
In response to the heightened threat, several airlines, including Lufthansa and Swiss Air, have canceled flights to and from key regional cities.
The Biden administration is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and resumption of peace talks, despite challenges including Israeli political dynamics and ongoing tensions. Leaders from the UK, France, and Germany are also calling for renewed negotiations to stabilize the region.
