Overview

• The Pentagon is redirecting two U.S. destroyers into the Eastern Mediterranean to guard against a possible Iranian retaliation.
• These warships are equipped to intercept both ballistic and cruise missiles and reinforce regional defense systems.
• U.S. defense officials say the vessels were already nearby and have now been rerouted in response to heightened threats.
• The move comes after Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military positions, raising concerns of a counterattack.
• It continues a pattern of U.S. naval support following deployments during Yemen operations and last October’s defense of Israel against Iranian missiles.