Amid the worsening tension between Iran and Israel, USS Bataan was dispatched, along with two support ships manned by 2,500 Marine troops, bound for the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to sources from Congress, the warship leads a US naval task force. The amphibious warship carries with it several guided missile destroyers.
US troops and bases in Iraq are on full alert as they prepare to intercept missiles and drones aiming at Israel.
Apart from the warship Bataan, the US deployed fully armed with anti-missile weapons destroyers and a cruiser in the Red Sea. They are also under orders to destroy any Israeli-bound missiles or drones.
According to sources, drones from Iran are currently being observed as they were seen flying over Iraq’s Sulaymaniya province.
President Joe Biden, who was on a retreat in Delaware, was forced to rush back to the White House amid the air strikes launched by Iraq on Israel during the weekend.
Before this, Biden, in a press briefing on Friday, remarked that he expects Iran’s retaliation to Israel “sooner than later.”
When asked for his message to Iran, Biden simply said, “Don’t.”
However, Iran did. They fired hundreds of missiles and sent AUVs toward Israel.
Israel Defense Force said that efforts to intercept any imminent attack are continuing.
“We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter,” IDF’s spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said.
Earlier, Hagari remarked that “the air defense array is on high alert at the same time as the Air Force planes and Navy ships that are on a mission to protect the country’s skies. The IDF is monitoring all targets.”
In 2020, the USS Bataan was also deployed to the Middle East and placed on standby after a US operation killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Intelligence sources indicate that the general planned to attack American personnel and interests in the Middle East.
Iran retaliated through a barrage of missiles aimed at American troops stationed at Iraqi bases.
However, then-President Donald Trump and Iranian leaders were able to settle the issue through a non-violent resolution.
Instead of a military conflict, Trump suggested economic sanctions and called on NATO to take action.
“The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it,” he said.
“As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime,” Trump added.
“These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior.”
