U.S. military officials say additional defensive systems are being deployed across the region as contingency planning accelerates amid tensions with Tehran.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Pentagon is moving additional air defense systems into the Middle East as the United States prepares for the possibility of Iranian retaliation should President Donald Trump order military strikes against Tehran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal that reported the developments Sunday.
U.S. officials told the newspaper that American airstrikes on Iran are not considered imminent, but military planners are expediting defensive deployments to protect Israel, Arab partner nations, and U.S. forces stationed throughout the region in the event a wider conflict breaks out. Officials said the United States could carry out limited strikes on short notice if ordered, but a larger, more sustained campaign — the type Trump has directed the military to prepare for — would likely prompt a proportional response from Iran.
The United States already maintains extensive air defense capabilities in the Middle East, including Navy destroyers equipped to intercept missiles and drones. According to the report, the Pentagon is now deploying an additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery along with Patriot air defense systems to U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, where American troops are stationed.
“The air defense question is key — the extent to which we have sufficient materiel to ensure that our troops and assets in the region are going to be protected from some kind of Iranian retaliation,” Suzanne Maloney, a former State Department official, told the Journal.
THAAD systems are designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, while Patriot systems are intended to counter shorter-range missile and aerial threats.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said President Trump “has many options at his disposal with regard to Iran.” She added, “The President has stated he hopes that no action will be necessary, but the Iranian regime should make a deal before it is too late.”
Trump told reporters that he believes Iran is negotiating seriously, but cautioned that “big, powerful ships heading in that direction” remain an option if diplomacy fails.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded Sunday, warning, “The Americans should know if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war.”
The importance of air defense systems was underscored in June, when U.S. forces assisted Israel in intercepting Iranian missile barrages during operations aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program. Iran later launched missiles toward Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts the U.S. regional air command. American and Qatari Patriot systems intercepted most of the incoming missiles.
U.S. officials believe that Iran would respond more aggressively to a broader U.S.-led campaign, potentially employing ballistic missiles and proxy forces across the region. Gulf nations are also increasing preparations, with Saudi Arabia having purchased seven THAAD batteries, according to the report.
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