This is not a good sign!
The United States military has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine to the Middle East as a display of deterrence against further escalation. This move comes as the Israel-Palestine conflict approaches its one-month mark. The conflict started when Hamas-led forces carried out a surprise attack in Israel on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,400 people.
According to Fox, U.S. Central Command released a statement on Sunday but did not provide specific details. However, they posted an image that suggested the presence of an Ohio-class submarine in Egypt’s Suez Canal, near the Suez Canal Bridge.
This deployment of a nuclear submarine serves to send a clear message to potential adversaries. It’s worth noting that such deployments and the disclosure of submarine locations are infrequent. These submarines are a crucial part of the United States’ “nuclear triad,” which includes land-based ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs on strategic bombers.
Ohio-class submarines are capable of carrying both nuclear ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. It’s not immediately clear if the submarine near Israel is carrying nuclear ballistic missiles.
The United States has been increasing its military presence in the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding region due to ongoing tensions with Iran, which provides financial and military support to terror groups, two groups currently engaged in attacks on Israel.
Additionally, U.S. Central Command shared an image of a nuclear-capable B-1 bomber also operating in the Middle East.
Since October 7, the U.S. has deployed or redirected more than 17,350 military personnel to the region, including carrier strike groups, deployed troops, and the Bataan amphibious ready group. Various aircraft, such as F-35s, F-15s, F-16s, A-10s, and F-18s, have been sent to the Middle East as well.
This heightened military presence is a response to multiple attacks on U.S. military personnel and coalition forces in the region during the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Pentagon confirmed that there have been at least 28 attacks on U.S. and Coalition Forces in Iraq and Syria since October 17. Sixteen of these attacks occurred in Iraq, and twelve took place in Syria, involving one-way attack drones and rockets.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had previously stated that they anticipated Iranian proxies would seek opportunities to escalate the Israel-Palestine conflict. They also emphasized the readiness of the U.S. to respond if American civilians or armed forces were targeted.
Defense Secretary Austin recently reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense and its determination to deter any state or non-state actor aiming to escalate the conflict. The importance of protecting civilians and delivering humanitarian assistance was also emphasized.