Middle East becomes "boiling oil", US prepares to act, hints at sending more troops

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has informed Israel of current and future changes to US forces in the Middle East, although he has not yet decided what additional forces will be sent.

The US may deploy more fighter jets to the Middle East. (Source: US Department of Defense )

The above information was given to the press by Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh after a phone call between Mr. Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

“Mr. Austin informed the Israeli side of additional measures, including changes to current and future defense postures, that the US Department of Defense will take to support Israel,” Ms. Singh said.

The move includes deploying additional military defense capabilities to the Middle East to bolster protection for US and Israeli troops, but Lloyd Austin has not yet made a final decision, according to Pentagon officials.

In addition, the US affirmed that it will continue to cooperate with allies and partners to cool down the situation in the region, noting that all defense capabilities to be deployed are aimed at supporting deterrence and de-escalation.

Earlier the same day, the New York Times quoted US officials as saying that Washington would dispatch more fighter jets to the Middle East to deal with "threats from Iran" and Tehran's allied groups in the region.

The US is seeking to address what it sees as a threat from Iran and pro-Iran groups in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen, which have expressed interest in retaliatory attacks against Israel to avenge the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The New York Times quoted a military official as saying that US forces in the region are taking "necessary measures" to increase combat readiness and protect US troops and allies against Iran and Tehran-backed groups.

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