Payam Javan: On August 11, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of the USS Georgia guided-missile submarine to the Middle East amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. The Pentagon announced that Austin’s decision followed a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, where he reiterated the U.S. commitment to defend Israel and enhance its military presence in the region.

In addition to the submarine deployment, Austin instructed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to expedite its transit to the Middle East, accelerating its deployment schedule. The USS Abraham Lincoln was set to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which is currently stationed in the region. This move aims to bolster the U.S. military’s posture amid escalating regional tensions and concerns about potential conflicts.

The U.S. has been actively working to de-escalate tensions, particularly following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Iran has attributed to Israel. Matthew Miller, State Department spokesman, emphasized that the U.S. is urging Iran through diplomatic channels to avoid escalating tensions, noting that such actions would not benefit Iran or any regional stakeholders. The U.S. and Iran have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1980.