The US is rapidly reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East with the prospect of an Iranian attack against Israel on the horizon.

Currently, there are approximately 80 land-based combat aircraft in the area. The USS Theodore Roosevelt, equipped with about 40 F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35 attack planes, is operating near the Arabian Gulf. The USS Wasp amphibious assault ship, equipped with a Bush Boss FD-3 and 4,500 Marines, is deployed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

New reinforcements reportedly include a squadron of Air Force F-22 fighter jets and an unspecified number of Navy cruisers and destroyers capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. These assets are expected to arrive in the area within days, with naval reinforcements following shortly after. Additionally, the USS Abraham Lincoln has been directed to relieve the USS Theodore Roosevelt to maintain an aircraft carrier presence in the region.

According to Channel 12 News, a coalition of countries is hastily being formed to protect Israel as in April when Iran fired 400 missiles at the Jewish State. The coalition is said to include the United States, United Kingdom, Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan.

While Iran’s Supreme Leader has ordered an attack against Israel following the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, it’s unclear when and who would carry out such an assault. Although Iran certainly has demonstrated its ability to attack Israel directly, analysts believe the attack would come from one of the regime’s terror proxies, such as Hezbollah or the Houthis, in order to prevent an all-out world war but still save face.