In response to rapidly escalating violence between Israel and Iran, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Monday the deployment of additional U.S. military assets to the Middle East, aimed at protecting American forces and reinforcing the nation’s defensive posture in the region.
“Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority,” Hegseth said in a brief statement on social media platform X. “These deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region.”
While Hegseth did not specify the nature of the deployments, a U.S. defense official later confirmed the movement of a significant number of aerial refueling tankers to Europe over the weekend, a move seen as preparing options for President Trump should the situation worsen further. According to flight-tracking data from AirNav Systems, more than 31 U.S. Air Force tankers—including KC-135s and KC-46s—were observed departing the United States on Sunday. The aircraft were tracked landing in Germany, the United Kingdom, Estonia, and Greece.
Additionally, the Pentagon confirmed that the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has been directed to the Middle East. The carrier group, which includes more than 5,000 personnel and over 60 aircraft, is being sent “to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel,” a defense official told The Hill. The deployment was described as pre-planned but expedited in light of recent developments.
Two U.S. Navy destroyers were also deployed to the eastern Mediterranean Sea late last week. These vessels, equipped with advanced missile defense systems, are positioned to protect U.S. and allied forces from possible ballistic or cruise missile attacks.
The rapid shift in U.S. military posture comes as fighting between Israel and Iran entered its fourth consecutive day. Following an Israeli airstrike on Tehran on Friday, both nations have engaged in sustained tit-for-tat missile attacks. Over 220 Iranians and at least 24 Israelis have reportedly been killed in the escalating conflict—the deadliest direct confrontation between the two countries in history.
Israel has publicly justified its offensive by accusing Iran of nearing the completion of a nuclear weapon. The strike on Tehran was reportedly approved after consultation with the U.S., although President Trump has walked a tightrope on U.S. involvement.
Speaking Monday at the G7 Summit in Canada, Trump reiterated support for Israel but appeared cautious about deeper U.S. military involvement. When pressed by reporters on what might trigger American intervention, Trump responded, “I don’t want to talk about that,” though he warned Iran that any attack on U.S. forces would be met with overwhelming military force.
“They should talk, and they should talk immediately,” Trump added, urging Iran to re-engage in negotiations over its nuclear program.
While maintaining that the U.S. is not currently involved in Israel’s military operations, Trump acknowledged Sunday that future involvement remains “possible.”
The White House has consistently reaffirmed America’s commitment to Israeli security. However, it has also taken steps to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a regional war that could threaten U.S. personnel and assets across the Middle East.
According to the Department of Defense, nearly 40,000 U.S. troops are already stationed in the region, supported by a wide network of air defense systems, aircraft, and naval forces. The recent deployments are expected to reinforce existing positions and offer strategic flexibility should the conflict expand.
Israel has reportedly urged the U.S. to assist in targeting key components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including missile sites, enrichment facilities, and command centers. Thus far, the Biden administration has stopped short of publicly endorsing those specific requests, though officials have signaled strong diplomatic and defensive support.
