The US National Security Advisor warns that the Israel-Hamas confrontation could escalate into a larger conflict

On Sunday, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned of a wider regional confrontation in the Middle East as Israel bombs Gaza in response to Hamas' unprecedented surprise onslaught.

This confrontation might escalate, open a second front in the north, and involve Iran. This is a danger we've considered from the outset "Sullivan said Sunday on CBS's "Face the Nation."

"It’s why the President moves so rapidly and decisively to get an aircraft carrier into the eastern Mediterranean, to get aircraft into the Gulf, because he wants to send a very clear message of deterrence to any state or any actor that would seek to exploit this situation."

As Israel prepares to expand its Gaza operations, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday that the Pentagon is sending a second carrier strike group and Air Force fighter fighters to the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The US warships are not meant to combat in Gaza or join Israel's operations, but their presence is meant to dissuade Iran and Iranian proxies like Hezbollah in Lebanon.