In response to escalating tensions and fears of an imminent Iranian strike on Israel, the Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional warships and aircraft to the Middle East, U.S. officials disclosed on Friday.

"We are moving additional assets to the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for U.S. forces," a defense official stated, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing military movements.

The Biden administration is increasingly concerned that the U.S. backing of Israel during the Gaza conflict could provoke broader violence in the Middle East. This concern is compounded by the recent disavowal of American involvement in an April 1 strike in Damascus, which killed two Iranian military commanders. Tehran has attributed the attack to Israel and vowed retaliation.

While the Pentagon declined to specify which vessels or aircraft are involved in the deployment due to security reasons, it confirmed that other warships in the region, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, USS Carney, and USS Arleigh Burke destroyers, are positioned nearby.

Sources revealed that senior Pentagon leaders expressed frustration over Israel's failure to provide advance warning of the Damascus strike to the U.S. government. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reportedly conveyed his concerns directly to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, emphasizing the potential implications for U.S. troops and interests in the region.

As tensions escalate, Iran has asserted that it holds the United States accountable for Israeli actions, including the Damascus strike. However, it remains uncertain whether Tehran intends to take direct action against the United States or focus solely on Israel in its response.