US Expands Military Presence in Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East

The US has ordered a second aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Eisenhower, to join the USS Ford in the eastern Mediterranean near Israel as a deterrent to Iran and Hezbollah from getting involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The move is intended to demonstrate US support for Israel's defense and enhance the message of deterrence. The Pentagon is also considering deploying the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship closer to Israel for additional support if needed.