President Donald Trump on Friday approved the deployment of U.S. forces to bolster Saudi Arabia鈥檚 air defenses after an attack on the kingdom鈥檚 oil infrastructure that has been blamed on Iran.
Speaking at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the deployment of an unspecified number of troops was 鈥渄efensive in nature鈥� but warned Tehran that the U.S. has 鈥渙ther military options available.鈥�
鈥淭o prevent further escalation, Saudi Arabia requested international support to help protect the kingdom's critical infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates has also requested assistance,鈥� Esper told reporters.
鈥淚n response to the kingdom's request, the president has approved the deployment of United States forces, which will be defensive in nature and primarily focused on air and missile defense.鈥�
The U.S. would also 鈥渁ccelerate the delivery of military equipment鈥� to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in an effort to 鈥渟end a clear message that the United States supports our partners in the region,鈥� added Esper.
A pre-dawn strike using drones and missiles on the Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities in Saudi Arabia on Sept. 14 took out 5.7 million barrels per day of production and roiled global hydrocarbon markets.
365bet体育在线世界杯鈥檚 Houthi rebel group initially claimed responsibility for the attack, but the U.S. has since blamed Iran, as has Saudi Arabia. The Islamic Republic has denied any connection to the strikes.
Esper echoed Trump鈥檚 comments that the U.S. 鈥渄oes not seek conflict with Iran.鈥�
The Pentagon chief said the deployment would support the global economy and 鈥渄emonstrate our commitment to upholding the rules-based order that we've long called on Iran to obey.鈥�
By James Reinl in New York
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr