A U.S. Navy destroyer has reached Israel’s southern port of Eilat, Israel’s Ynet news website reported, quoting the military. The move comes at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran are increasing.
US Warship Deployment Was Pre-Planned, Not Emergency Action
According to Ynet, the warship’s arrival at the Gulf of Aqaba port located near Israel’s borders with Egypt and Jordan was planned in advance. The docking is said to be part of ongoing military cooperation between the United States and Israel, not a sudden step triggered only by the current crisis.
US Balances Diplomacy and Military Presence in Middle East
The deployment happened as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled that he is open to talks with Iran. At the same time, the U.S. has been sending additional military assets to the Middle East, showing that Washington is keeping both diplomatic and military options open.
A U.S. defence official told Reuters that operational details cannot be shared for security reasons. The official added that the safety of American service members remains the top priority.
Pentagon Says Military Ready for Any Presidential Decision
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the armed forces are fully prepared if action is required. He stated that the U.S. military is "prepared to carry out whatever course of action the president decides."
Trump Warns Iran Over Nuclear Talks
President Trump has urged Iran to return to negotiations regarding its nuclear programme. He warned that if Iran refuses, it could face much harsher action from the United States. In response, Iran has threatened retaliation against the U.S., Israel, and their allies.
Trump also said the United States has an "armada" heading toward Iran, though he added that he hopes military force will not ultimately be necessary.