US President Donald Trump has announced he would deploy about American troops to the Middle East region for “mostly protective” reasons, amid escalating tensions with Iran.
The US Defense Department added that the deployment approved by the US president includes Patriot missile batteries, reconnaissance planes and troops.
Members of Congress were notified following a White House meeting on Thursday where the Pentagon’s proposals to bolster US military presence in the Middle East were discussed.
The USA began reinforcing its presence in the Persian Gulf region this month in response to alleged threats from Iran. Tehran has slammed the US regime’s move as psychological warfare.
US officials speaking to various media outlets on Wednesday said the White House would decide whether to approve the plan to send about 5,000 troops to the Middle East while some media outlets reported that up to 10,000 could be deployed.
Trump has resorted to blacklisting the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in the wake of withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and tightening sanctions against Tehran.
Iran has time and again asserted that it is not seeking war but stands ready to defend its interests in the region.
Iran has played down Washington’s belligerent posture, ruling out the possibility of war between the USA and Iran.
Iran must try to protect its agriculture, dams, roads, railways the most before anything else. If Tehran manage to save these, the rest of the things can be replaced quickly.
PressTV / ABC Flash Point News 2019.
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