US Deploys Strike Group and Air Defense Systems to Middle East Amid Iran Escalations

The Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group has been directed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to deploy to the Middle Eastern waters of U.S. Central Command in response to recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces in the region. This marks the first time a carrier has operated in CENTCOM waters since the end of the Afghanistan war. The move follows the interception of cruise missiles and drones by the Navy destroyer Carney, believed to be heading towards Israel, and drone attacks against U.S. troops in the region. Additional forces, including a THAAD missile battery and Patriot missile battalions, are also being sent to the region.