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People hold the Palestinian flag and a portrait of assassinated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh during a rally at Tehran University in the Iranian capital Tehran on July 31, 2024. Photo: AFP via Getty Images
The U.S. general in charge of American forces in the Middle East arrived in the region on Saturday as preparations continue for a possible attack against Israel from Iran in retaliation for the assassinations of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, two U.S. officials said.
Why it matters: Gen. Michael Kurilla's trip to the region was planned before the recent escalation between Israel, Iran and Hezbollah but he is expected to use the trip to try to mobilize the same international and regional coalition that defended Israel against an attack from Iran on Apr. 13, a U.S. official said.
Driving the news: The U.S. is boosting its forces in the Middle East in preparation for a possible Iranian attack against Israel and sending more warships and fighter jets to the region, the Pentagon said on Friday.
Behind the scenes: According to a U.S. official, Kurilla is expected to visit several Gulf countries, Jordan and Israel.
U.S. and Israeli officials said they don't know if Iran and Hezbollah will conduct a coordinated attack or operate separately.
What they're saying: On Saturday, President Biden was asked by reporters whether he thinks Iran will stand down.
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