Trump: Unsure anti-iran surge needed
He leaves door open to buildup in Middle East
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon on Thursday outlined proposals to the White House that would send military reinforcements to the Middle East to beef up defenses against Iran amid heightened tensions in the region.
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters before the meeting, said he was not convinced more troops are needed but would do whatever is necessary.
“We’ll see what happens with Iran,” Trump said. “I don’t think we’re going to need them, I really don’t, but we’re going to have a meeting on it in about an hour. I would certainly send troops if we need them.”
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told reporters the Defense Department has not yet determined how many troops might be sent to reinforce the existing U.S. military presence in the region.
He disputed reports that the Pentagon was proposing to send up to 10,000 more troops to the Middle East. He said reports citing specific figures were “not correct,” but he would not say whether the numbers under consideration were higher or lower.
“What we’re focused on right now is, do we have the right force protection in the Middle East,” Shanahan said, referring to defensive forces. “It may involve sending additional troops.”
He said he was in regular contact with Marine Gen. Kenneth F. MCKenzie, the Central Command chief, about how to shape the U.S. force presence in the Mideast with potential Iranian threats in mind.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that the president was evaluating the force posture in the region “every day.”
“We’re evaluating the risks, making sure that we have it right,” he told “Fox and Friends.”