US plans more troops for Saudi

The Pentagon announced yesterday it was bolstering US forces in Saudi Arabia following the September 14 drone and missile attack on Saudi oil plants which Washington blames on Iran.

Commenting on the announcement, US Special Representative on Iran Brian Hook said the increase in troops came in response to talks with Saudi Arabia which intensified after “the Iranian attack on Saudi Arabia on September 14”. He said they are part of several tools the US is considering to “reestablish deterrence in the region.”

“Saudi Arabia is a longstanding security partner and has requested additional support to supplement their defences and to defend the rule-based international order,” Mr Hook said.

The US official reiterated that his government does not seek conflict with Iran but that Washington will defend its troops and interests against any attack from Iran or its proxies.