US to Weigh Sending New Military Forces to Middle East

The possible deployment of more US military forces and means in the Middle East will be analyzed by the national security team of President Donald Trump, according to government officials.

The evaluation will be made after attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on June 13, but it is not clear when a decision will be made and the president will be informed, said the sources, quoted by CNN.

They pointed out that the debates will focus on the objectives of détente and defense against which Washington considers an Iranian attack, and the specific forces necessary to fulfill those goals.

In that regard, they mentioned additional soldiers, Patriot missiles, fighters and ships for several purposes.

On Sunday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran of attacking the ships, accusations that were rejected by Tehran.

The tankers Kokuka Courageous and Front Altair, operated by a Japanese company and owned by a Norwegian shipping firm, respectively, were hit by explosive devices as they left the Straight of Ormuz, some 50 kilometers off Iran's shores.

Pompeo said in an interview with Fox TV on Sunday that the United States would guarantee the free circulation of ships in that zone.