The commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) arrived in the Middle East on Saturday, according to US-based news outlet Axios, Anadolu Agency reports.

The visit by Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla coincides with US and Israeli preparations for potential Iranian retaliation following the recent killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, as stated by two US officials cited by Axios.

This development comes after threats of retaliation from Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah leaders.

The trip, reportedly scheduled before the latest tensions, is aimed at bolstering the international and regional coalition that previously shielded Israel from an Iranian attack on April 13.

Kurilla is set to visit various Gulf countries, Israel, and Jordan, with the US hoping for a significant contribution similar to the one during the incident in April.