A U.S. Navy destroyer has made port at Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba, the Ynet news website reported, citing the Israeli military. The southern Red Sea port lies close to Israel's borders with Egypt and Jordan. According to the report, the vessel's arrival was pre-planned and forms part of continuing military cooperation between the United States and Israel.
The U.S. Navy and the Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The deployment coincides with an escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he is open to talks with Iran even as the United States has dispatched additional military assets to the Middle East. A U.S. defence official said the military could not discuss operational details for security reasons, and stressed that the safety of service members remains the highest priority.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said that U.S. forces are prepared to execute whatever course of action the president decides.
President Trump has warned Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear programme or face far harsher U.S. action, while Tehran has threatened retaliation against the United States, Israel and their allies. The president has also said the U.S. has an "armada" heading towards Iran, though he said he hoped it would not be used.
Context and implications
The reported docking in Eilat was described by Israeli authorities as planned and routine within the scope of bilateral military activity. Officials cited security considerations in declining to discuss operational specifics. At the same time, statements from U.S. leadership reiterate that both diplomatic engagement and the option of stronger measures remain on the table.
Given the parallel dispatch of additional U.S. assets and public warnings from both Washington and Tehran, the visit contributes to a heightened security posture in the region. Authorities emphasized service-member safety as a primary concern when declining to disclose operational details.