US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper

President Trump on Friday approved the deployment of US forces to Saudi Arabia after last weekend’s drone attacks on the oil sites.

“The president has approved the deployment of U.S. forces which will be defensive in nature and primarily focused on air and missile defense,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at a presser on Friday.

It is unclear how many troops will be sent.

“As the President has made clear the United States does not seek conflict with Iran. That said we have many other military options available should they be necessary,” Mr. Esper said.

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