Geopolitical tensions have been high since Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, with world leaders fearing an expected Iranian response that could lead to further escalation and an expansion of the war across the region.
There has been intense diplomatic activity in the shape of governments – including Russia, Jordan and some Gulf States – urging Iran to limit its response. But with the assassination seen as a direct attack on Iran’s sovereignty, the country’s religious leadership is under heavy pressure internally to respond with substantial force.
The US has also made a much-publicised move to increase its already substantial military forces in the region. A new US Navy aircraft carrier battle group will now take the place of one currently due to leave the Gulf of Oman and an additional squadron of strike aircraft will be moved to the region, as will more air-defence destroyers, cruisers and land-based air defence systems. The Pentagon has also ordered the despatch of a cruise missile-armed nuclear submarine to the region, it was announced yesterday.
