WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The United States announced Friday the deployment of additional military assets to the Middle East, including ballistic missile defense destroyers and long-range B-52 bomber aircraft, serving as a warning to Iran as it and Israel trade tit-for-tat strikes.

“Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people,” Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder said in a statement.

The additional resources build on previous US defense deployments to the Middle East in support of Israel, including a THAAD missile defense system deployed to the country late last month, operated by American troops on the ground.

The new forces “will begin to arrive in coming months,” Ryder said.

Israel launched significant strikes against Iran on 26 October, devastating military infrastructure of the Islamic republic while steering clear of critical nuclear and oil sites.

Iran has carried out two major attacks against Israel in 2024 — one in April after a strike on its consulate in Damascus that was blamed on Israel, and another in October that Tehran said was in response to the assassination of leaders of armed groups it backs in the Middle East.

Observers warn the continued military operations between the regional rivals could escalate further.