MIDDLE EAST — The Pentagon is set to send 1,000 additional soldiers to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, CNN reports.
In a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense, Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan announced that the troops would address "air, naval, and ground-based threats in the Middle East."
The announcement comes after two oil tankers were attacked in the Gulf of Oman last week. The U.S. suspects Iran was responsible, claims that Tehran denies.
Shanahan said, "The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable, credible intelligence we have received on hostile behavior by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten United States personnel and interests across the region."
The deployment would include troops for additional surveillance and intelligence gathering, The Associated Press reports, citing U.S. officials.
The move is part of a military package shown to U.S. leaders last month that includes Patriot missile batteries, aircraft and ships, according to the Associated Press.
Shanahan downplayed the announcement and said "the United States does not seek conflict with Iran."
He explained the action was taken to protect U.S. military personnel and interests in the region.
