In a major development, President Donald Trump Friday approved deployment of U.S. troops and missile defense equipment to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UEA) following an attack on Saudi oil plant that Washington believes was orchestrated by Iran.
“In response to the kingdom’s request, the president has approved the deployment of U.S. forces, which will be defensive in nature and primarily focused on air and missile defense,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced.
He reiterated the Trump Administration line that “all indications are that Iran was responsible for the (drone) attack” on two Saudi oil processing facilities.
Houthi attacks on Saudi oil plants inflame Saudi-Iranian tensions amid energy supply concerns
The Pentagon chief said the U.S. deployment is meant to “send a clear message that the United States supports our partners in the region … ensure the free flow of resources necessary to support the global economy.”
It would “demonstrate commitment to upholding the international rules based order that we have long called on Iran to obey,” he added.
At the same time, Esper noted that the United States does not seek a conflict with Iran, as enunciated by President Trump.
Ali Imran is a Washington-based journalist, who has worked for leading world news organizations as a correspondent, expert and in editorial positions. He is a published author and poet.
