Washington: With the palpable tension between the US and Iran rising every passing day, the Trump administration has decided to deploy 1,000 additional troops to Middle East to counter possible threats from the Tehran.
The move from the US came as a "defensive major" after two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman was allegedly attacked by Iran last week, Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said.
"I have authorised approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes to address air, naval, and ground-based threats in the Middle East," CNN quoted Shanahan as saying.
"The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable, credible intelligence we have received on hostile behaviour by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten United States personnel and interests across the region," he said.
US is increasing its military presence in the Middle East.
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Recently, US's Secretary of State Michael Pompeo confirmed the approval of USD 8.1 billion in arms transfers to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates amid hostilities with Iran.
In addition, carrier strike warships and B-52 bombers were recently deployed off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
