Pentagon has plan for 10K more troops in Mideast

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon on Thursday will present plans to the White House to send up to 10,000 more troops to the Middle East, in a move to beef up defenses against potential Iranian threats, U.S. officials said Wednesday.

The officials said no final decision has been made, and it’s not clear if the White House would approve sending all or just some of the requested forces.

Officials said the move is not in response to any new threat from Iran, but is aimed at reinforcing security in the region. They said the troops would be defensive forces, and the discussions include additional Patriot missile batteries, more ships and increased efforts to monitor Iran.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans have not been formally announced. In Russia: The governor of Russia’s Urals region said Wednesday that a plan to build a Russian Orthodox cathedral in a popular park will be canceled after protests that drew nationwide attention. A new site will be chosen.

Unsanctioned demonstrations in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg were held for several consecutive days — a rare show of defiance in Russia where harsh laws hand out criminal punishments for taking part in unsanctioned rallies.

President Vladimir Putin last week suggested an opinion survey to determine public attitudes about the project. An opinion poll conducted by VTsIOM polling company showed the majority opposing the construction.