US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has told the US Navy to accelerate plans for a heightened presence in the Middle East, where tensions are soaring.

A statement released by the Pentagon says Austin held phone talks on Sunday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

It says Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which is equipped with F-35C fighters, to arrive in the region sooner than initially planned.

The statement also says he has ordered the USS Georgia guided missile submarine to the Middle East.

Fears of a wider conflict are rising after Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed last month in Tehran. Iran blames Israel, and vows to retaliate.

The Pentagon statement says Austin reiterated Washington's commitment to defending Israel.

It also says Austin and Gallant discussed efforts to deter the Lebanon-based Shia Muslim group Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups across the region.