The Pentagon has just announced that they are sending 1,000 more troops to the Middle East in response to Iran’s latest aggression last week with the oil tankers:
BREAKING: US sending 1,000 additional troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions @CNNPolitics https://t.co/7YiANMugT3
— Rob Frehse (@ItsNotaHalfDay) June 17, 2019
Here’s more from CNN:
The US will send 1,000 additional US forces and more military resources to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran, the Pentagon announced Monday.
“In response to a request from the US Central Command for additional forces, and with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and in consultation with the White House, I have authorized approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes to address air, naval, and ground-based threats in the Middle East,” acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said in a statement.
“The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable, credible intelligence we have received on hostile behavior by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten United States personnel and interests across the region,” Shanahan said, adding that the “United States does not seek conflict with Iran.”
“The action today is being taken to ensure the safety and welfare of our military personnel working throughout the region and to protect our national interests,” Shanahan said. “We will continue to monitor the situation diligently and make adjustments to force levels as necessary given intelligence reporting and credible threats.”
News of the additional troop deployment comes as the State Department announced Monday that Secretary of State Michael Pompeo will travel Tuesday to the command center that oversees Middle East military operations.
I know the big news yesterday was that Pompeo wasn’t taking military strikes off the table with Iran, but it would surprise me if they go that route.
Right now it seems they are bolstering their forces in the area as a show of strength in order to convince Iran to back away from this aggressive behavior.
Will it work? Time will tell but hopefully Iran doesn’t want an actual fight with the US and will cease attacking oil tankers with mines.