U.S. sends submarine to Middle East amid fears of escalation

The United States is sending the USS Georgia guided missile submarine to the Middle East and is speeding up the transit to the region of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, equipped with F-35C fighters "in light of escalating regional tensions," the Pentagon said Sunday.

In a conversation with Israeli Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant, "Secretary Austin reiterated the United States' commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East," a Pentagon readout of the conversation said.

The two defense officials "also discussed Israel's operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a cease-fire and the release of hostages held in Gaza" as well as efforts to deter Iran, Hezbollah, and other Iran-allied groups in the region.