A U.S. nuclear-powered submarine armed with more than 150 missiles is heading to the Middle East.
The United States has ordered a nuclear-powered submarine armed with more than 150 missiles to the Middle East, in addition to a second aircraft carrier, the U.S. Department of Defense announced on Sunday. The move comes amid escalating regional tensions as Iran has vowed to strike back at Israel.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday, the Pentagon said. Austin reiterated Washington’s commitment to defend Israel in the call, including his latest order for the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia to head to the Middle East.
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital of Tehran on July 31 has escalated tensions in the region. Both Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of assassinating Haniyeh in a military guesthouse in Tehran. However, Israeli officials have neither confirmed nor denied responsibility.
The conventionally armed 18,750-ton Ohio-class submarine can carry up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. This type of missile is the primary weapon of the Navy’s fleet for long-range strike missions, capable of attacking targets on both land and sea from 1,000 miles away.
The Georgia is one of the four Ohio-class boats converted from nuclear ballistic missile submarines.
