WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says the U.S. will bolster its military presence in the Middle East with an additional 1,500 troops.
He says the troops will have a “mostly protective” role. He spoke to reporters on the White House lawn as he headed out on a trip to Japan.
This comes amid heightened tensions with Iran.
Officials said members of Congress were notified following a White House meeting Thursday to discuss Pentagon proposals to bolster the U.S. force presence in the Middle East.
Earlier this week, officials had said that Pentagon planners had outlined plans that could have sent up to 10,000 military reinforcements to the region. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan later said planners hadn’t settled on a figure.
The U.S. began reinforcing its presence in the Persian Gulf region this month in response to what it said was a threat from Iran.
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