President Trump has ordered the deployment of another 1,500 troops to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, according to multiple reports Friday.
Mr. Trump has given his approval to acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan to deploy the additional troops to the Persian Gulf region to deter Iranian threats, after meeting with his military chiefs Thursday evening.
The White House did not immediately confirm the action, but the Pentagon was planning a briefing on the latest moves Friday afternoon. Some news reports earlier this week suggested the Pentagon was eyeing sending as many as 10,000 new troops to the region.
The purpose of the deployment is to enhance protection of forces already in the region that are dedicated to missile defense, freedom of navigation in Persian Gulf waters and other objectives, according to a Pentagon notice to congressional defense committees obtained by Bloomberg.
The new deployment reportedly includes Patriot missile batteries, reconnaissance aircraft and accompanying necessary forces.
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