US amps up military posture in Mideast, warns against 'escalation'

WASHINGTON -- The United States warned Iran or its allies against any "escalation" in the wake of Israel's war with Hamas, two top US officials said Sunday, hours after the Pentagon moved to step up military readiness in the region.

Blinken said the United States, which has sent two carrier groups to the eastern Mediterranean, was "taking every measure to make sure that we can defend them. And if necessary, respond decisively." But Austin, speaking on ABC News, issued a stern warning: "If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict and take advantage of this very unfortunate situation that we see, our advice is: don't.

Austin ordered the activation of air defense systems and notified additional forces that they may be deployed soon.The Pentagon's moves came after what Austin had earlier described in a statement as "detailed discussions" with Biden. Austin said he had activated deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery and additional Patriot battalions "throughout the region."

In south Lebanon on Saturday, Hezbollah said four of its fighters were killed. Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad said one of its fighters was also killed.

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