US to Deploy THAAD and Patriot Systems in the Middle East

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of a THAAD missile defense battery and additional Patriot air defense systems in the Middle East. This is stated in a Pentagon press release.

Additionally, extra divisions of American troops are ready to be sent to the region in case of "unexpected circumstances." According to the US Department of Defense, these actions are a response to the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East by Iran and its "proxy forces." Previously, the US had moved the aircraft carriers "Dwight Eisenhower" and "Gerald Ford" to the eastern Mediterranean. According to the Pentagon's statement, this was done to deter hostile actions against Israel.