The U.S. has moved to further bolster its presence in the Middle East, with defense secretary Lloyd Austin redirecting the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike group and activating a THAAD battery and Patriot battalion in the wake of Iran’s behavior.
In a statement released late Saturday night, Austin said: “Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region. These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.”
Austin explained that the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group has been redirected to the Middle East. The Eisenhower strike group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS…
