US missile destroyer docked at Israeli port

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the US guided missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black today docked at the port of Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city on the Red Sea coast. The US warship moved from the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal in Egypt to enter the Red Sea.

According to the IDF, this is a “routine and pre-planned operation, within the framework of periodic cooperation between the Israeli and US militaries”. Meanwhile, Israeli media said US warships often move in the Red Sea but rarely dock at Eilat port.

USS Delbert D. Black belongs to the 5th Fleet, under the operational authority of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). This is one of the most modern destroyers of the US Navy, equipped with the Aegis combat system with defense and attack capabilities to deal with aircraft, missiles and surface ships.

USS Delbert D. Black can also fire Tomahawk cruise missiles to carry out long-range precision strikes.

The United States has continuously sent more weapons to the Middle East in recent weeks, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran related to the wave of anti-government protests that broke out in Iran at the end of December 2025, due to traders’ dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the devaluation of the rial currency. The protests were initially peaceful before escalating into deadly violence.

President Trump has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of supporting protesters, not excluding the scenario of ordering air strikes on Iran. However, Washington’s allies have warned Mr. Trump of lasting consequences if he carries out an attack. Iran later declared the protests had ended, with more than 3,000 people killed.

CENTCOM on January 26 announced that the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group had arrived in the Middle East and began operating in the region. US President Donald Trump said on January 27 that the country was deploying an additional fleet near Iran, but did not specify.