US says it's preparing for 'significant' Iran attack on Israel as early as 'this week'

The White House is warning that the United States assesses Iran could launch a retaliatory attack on Israel as early as "this week," and that the U.S. has to be prepared for an attack that could be "significant."

The warning comes as the U.S. has bolstered its force posture in the Middle East and has been very public in announcing its military moves -- something U.S. officials say is intended to deter Iran from possibly attacking and de-escalate tensions in the region.

That includes the Pentagon's announcement Sunday that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln's arrival to the region was being "accelerated," as well as the rare public announcement that the guided missile submarine USS Georgia was being sent to the Middle East from its current deployment.

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