Washington: Agencies
Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder confirmed that there is still time for diplomatic efforts in the Middle East to succeed.
He said in a press conference, according to what was published by the US Department of Defense "Pentagon", today, Wednesday, that US forces are moving towards the US Central Command area of ​​responsibility as a deterrent measure. The Air Force has transferred F-22 Raptor aircraft to the region, and the US aircraft carrier group "USS Abraham Lincoln" is moving there, equipped with "F-35C" Lightning II aircraft. In addition, the guided-missile attack submarine "USS Georgia" is advancing towards the region.
Ryder indicated that there are currently about 40,000 US service members in the US Central Command area.
According to the Pentagon statement, the US Department of Defense continues to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East. Ryder said in this regard that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is in almost daily contact with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Galant and other partners in the region.
“The United States is very focused on de-escalating tensions in the region, while also focusing on securing a ceasefire as part of the detainee deal to return all detainees home and end the war in Gaza,” the US general said.

Ryder also pointed to strengthening the posture and capabilities of US military forces throughout the Middle East in light of the escalating regional tensions, explaining that “these US force posture adjustments are intended to improve US force protection, increase our support for the defense of Israel, and ensure that the United States is prepared to respond to a wide range of eventualities.”

Ryder spoke about the threats made by Iran and Iranian-backed groups to attack Israel, noting that the United States must take these threats seriously. He said: “But our focus is on de-escalating tensions, working to enable a ceasefire, and returning detainees.” The US general stressed that the United States wants to deter a wider regional war in the Middle East, adding, "No one wants to see an escalation of the situation. No one wants to see a wider regional conflict. So, we hope that we will not find ourselves in a situation that requires the use of those capabilities. But if the need arises to defend Israel, we will do so."

This came after the administration of US President Joe Biden approved a new arms deal for Israel, worth $20 billion, with deliveries to begin in 2027.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement published today, Wednesday, that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken approved a potential foreign military sale to the government of Israel that includes 120 mm tank shells and related equipment at an estimated cost of $774.1 million.

It added that it had submitted the required certification to notify Congress of this potential deal.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency affirmed the US commitment to Israel's security, saying that "it is essential to US national interests to help Israel develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability, and this proposed sale is consistent with these goals." She stressed that the proposed deal for this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region, adding that "this deal will not have a negative impact on US defense readiness." The US State Department announced, in a letter to Congress, that it had approved the sale of 50 F-15 fighter jets to Israel for $18.82 billion, in addition to approximately 33,000 tank ammunition, 50,000 explosive mortar ammunition, and military trucks.