U.S. President Donald Trump ordered sending American troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses following attacks on the kingdom's oil facilities, which Saudis and Americans blamed on Iran.
The Pentagon said the deployment would involve a ‘moderate number of troops – not in thousands - and would be primarily defensive in nature’. The official statement also added details about delivery of military equipment to both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Reuters has previously reported that the Pentagon was considering sending anti-missile batteries, drones and more fighter jets. The United States is also considering keeping an aircraft carrier in the region indefinitely.
"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 defence," U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at a news briefing.
"We will also work to accelerate the delivery of military equipment to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to enhance their ability to defend themselves."
The latest decision is seen by analysts as to rule out waging retaliatory strikes against Iran following the attack.
Ruling out a military action, Trump has earlier announced a new round of ‘intensive economic sanctions’ against Iran, following attacks on oil-giant company 'Aramco'.
"Because the easiest thing I could do, 'Okay, go ahead. Knock out 15 different major things in Iran.' ... But I’m not looking to do that if I can," Trump told reporters at the White House.
Iran denies responsibility for the attack on Saudi Arabia, and Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement, which has been battling a Saudi-led military coalition that includes the UAE, has claimed responsibility for the strikes.
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