Islam Times - US to also send Patriot missiles, surveillance aircraft to Mideast: Pentagon

Islam Times - The Pentagon says its planned deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East would also include a Patriot missile battalion, manned and unmanned surveillance aircraft and "other deterrence capabilities."

The US Defense Department made the announcement in a Wednesday statement, further asserting that Washington does not seek war with Iran.

"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, but we are postured and ready to defend US forces and interests in the region," a Pentagon spokeswoman said in a statement, according to Reuters.

The announcement for the additional troops deployment came Monday amid US President Donald Trump’s incessant threats against Tehran.

The US has been stepping up threats against Tehran in the wake of US allegations that Iran was behind tanker attacks in the Sea of Oman.

Iran has categorically denied the accusations, calling them baseless, even suggesting that Washington may be behind the attacks.

Tehran has time and again noted that it stands ready to defend its interests in the region in the wake of US aggression.