Trump OKs Troops to Protect Saudi Arabia, UAE: No War with Iran

By Staff, Agencies

US War Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford announced the US would be sending "hundreds" of US troops, as well as additional air military capabilities, to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

"In response to the Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia]'s request, the president has responded with the deployment of US forces which will be defensive in nature," Esper told reporters at the Pentagon.

"First to send a clear message that the United States supports our partners. Second, to support the free flow of resources … and third, to uphold the international rule based order … We think for now that should be sufficient."

He noted that the US doesn't seek war with Iran, but "has other options" as well. He said that a "layered defense" could better protect the kingdom in the event of being "swarmed" by drones or missiles, but noted that no system can prevent all such attacks.

Dunford said that decisions on specifics will be made over the weekend, with details announced next week, but noted it would be a "moderate deployment" that would not include thousands of troops.