The Biden administration is facing questions over the US’s burgeoning regional presence in the Red Sea region despite increases in violence in Palestine. On Tuesday, spokesman Andrew Abramson, a Biden administration official, was asked during a news briefing whether the US had escalated the ongoing conflict in Gaza by sending warships to the Red Sea. Abramson’s response was short and to the point: “No.” The exchange quickly escalated and Abramson cited what he called “longstanding US policy” not to escalate the conflict by engaging the region militarily. He then scolded the reporter for “attempting to generate a narrative”. The US has increased its presence in the Red Sea region in recent weeks in response to Iran’s apparent beefing up of its naval forces in the region. In an effort to display its commitment to the safety of regional allies, the US recently deployed a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the region and has also sent F-16 fighter jets. But the move has caused some concern among observers who worry that the US could inadvertently find itself drawn into the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The deployment of such a powerful force could be interpreted as an escalation of US activity in the region. The Biden administration has continued to deny any such intentions, however, with Abrahamson’s fiery rebuke of the reporter in yesterday’s briefing clearly demonstrating its unwillingness to acknowledge or address the possibility of increased US involvement in the conflict. While the Biden administration appears hesitant to engage in the conflict militarily, it has been willing to condemn the ongoing violence and call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It remains to be seen, however, whether or not the US will follow through on its words or not. For now, it appears that the US will continue to monitor and respond to events, but remains cautious about engaging too heavily in the conflict.