The United States has deployed 12 warships to the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue, with the naval presence supporting missions that include enforcing a blockade of Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal.
A US Navy official told the newspaper that a naval fleet and a Marine contingent are heading to the region and will join forces already deployed there. US officials have also confirmed that the military is preparing options for potential strikes against Iran and other operations ahead of the US midterm elections.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a US aircraft carrier strike group and an expeditionary unit are currently en route to the Middle East.
The incoming naval forces are expected to reinforce the US military presence already operating in the region. A US Navy official said the newly arriving warships would join the vessels already deployed.
The report said the United States has deployed 12 warships to the region for various missions, including the blockade of Iran.
USS George Washington, nine destroyers already deployed
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US aircraft carrier USS George Washington and nine destroyers are already present in the region.
The incoming warships will add to the existing naval deployment as Washington continues its military operations and prepares for potential further action involving Iran. The reported deployment underscores the continued US naval presence in the Middle East amid tensions surrounding the conflict and the blockade.
Pentagon considers additional air defence systems
The Pentagon is also considering sending additional air defence systems and ammunition to US military bases across the Middle East, according to the Journal.
The proposed deployment would bolster the defensive capabilities of American bases in the region as the military assesses its options amid heightened tensions. The report did not specify which bases could receive the additional equipment or when any potential deployment might take place.
Options for potential strikes on Iran
US officials have confirmed that the military is preparing options for strikes against Iran and other possible operations ahead of the US midterm elections.
The preparations come as Washington maintains its naval presence in the region and considers additional military resources, including air defence equipment and ammunition.
However, the reported preparations do not confirm that a new strike has been authorised or that an attack is imminent.
