Pentagon: US keen to deter regional war in Middle East
40,000 US troops in CENTCOM area
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has outlined the latest developments in the US strategy to address mounting tensions in the Middle East and prevent the escalation of conflict in the region.
Addressing a press conference in Washington, DC, Ryder reiterated that the US has deployed advanced military assets to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility as a deterrent.
Notable additions include the deployment of F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft by the US Air Force and the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which features F-35C Lightning II fighter jets. The USS Georgia, a guided-missile submarine, is en route to the region.
Approximately 40,000 US service members are stationed within the CENTCOM area, Ryder revealed.
Ryder said the US Defence Department is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III communicates near-daily with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and other regional partners.
Austin and Gallant also discussed ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza, with Austin stressing the importance of reducing civilian casualties amid the conflict.
Iranian threats
The Pentagon is taking seriously the threats from Iran and Iranian-backed groups, yet the primary focus remains on de-escalation and securing a cease-fire, the two leaders agreed.
Ryder emphasised that the US remains deeply committed to de-escalating regional tensions while striving for a cease-fire agreement that includes securing the release of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas and ending the conflict in Gaza.
“The adjustments in our military force posture are aimed at enhancing the protection of US forces, bolstering support for Israel’s defence, and preparing to respond to a range of potential scenarios,” Ryder said.
“We are committed to preventing a broader regional conflict,” Ryder affirmed. “Our goal is to avoid escalation and the need to deploy these capabilities unless absolutely necessary for the defence of Israel.”
As tensions continue to rise, the US aims to balance a strong defensive posture with diplomatic efforts to maintain stability in the Middle East.
Featured image: Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder briefs news journalists in Washington, DC, on August 13, 2024. Credit: US Department of Defence
