"U.S. Bolsters Middle East Defense with Carrier Strike Group and Air Defense Systems"

The U.S. is redeploying a carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf and sending additional air defense systems to the region amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also placed additional U.S. forces on "prepare to deploy orders" following discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces. The move comes as U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria have seen an increase in attacks by Iran-backed Shia militia groups.