"US Deploys Submarine and Accelerates Carrier Arrival as Middle East Tensions Escalate"

 The US has deployed a guided missile submarine to the Middle East amid rising regional tensions. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the USS Georgia would join the area, and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group would accelerate its journey, bringing F-35C fighter jets with it. This move comes in response to recent assassinations of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

Austin emphasized the US commitment to defending Israel from any potential attacks by Iran, stating that the US would "take every possible step" to protect its ally. The US is closely monitoring Iran for any response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Iran has accused Israel of the assassination and vowed retaliation, although Israel has not officially commented on the incident.

Additionally, Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia and political group, has pledged to retaliate against Israel for the killing of senior commander Fuad Shukr shortly before Haniyeh's assassination.

The Pentagon's recent actions include sending the USS Georgia and expediting the USS Abraham Lincoln's arrival. The latter was already en route to replace another US ship in the region.

In diplomatic efforts, the Biden administration advocates for a ceasefire in Gaza and has called for renewed talks. Hamas has responded by insisting that any ceasefire discussions should be based on existing plans rather than new negotiations. While Washington has previously blamed Hamas for stalled negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also faced criticism from the US, particularly from the White House, which has criticized his coalition's far-right members for opposing the ceasefire talks.

Leaders from the UK, France, and Germany have echoed the call for resuming ceasefire talks, emphasizing the urgency to prevent further escalation and to work towards stability.