ADVERTISEMENT Saudi Arabia as well as its neighbor the UAE have since requested international support to deter further attacks.

“In response to the kingdom’s request, the president has approved the deployment of U.S. forces, which will be defensive in nature and primarily focused on air and missile defense,” Esper said at the Pentagon.

Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford, who had just returned from presenting Trump with a range of military options on Iran, would not say how many troops would be deployed, but acknowledged it would not number in the thousands.

The Defense secretary said the deployment is meant to “send a clear message that the United States supports our partners in the region ... ensure the free flow of resources necessary to support the global economy” and to “demonstrate commitment to upholding the international rules based order that we have long called on Iran to obey."

Esper added that while the president has made clear that the United States does not seek conflict with Iran, “we have many other military options available should they be necessary.”

In addition, the Pentagon “will also work to accelerate the delivery of military equipment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to enhance their ability to defend themselves.”

Dunford said he will talk with leaders from U.S. Central Command and Saudi partners over the weekend to “work the details of the deployment."