The United States has deployed two additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to protect key energy facilities. The move comes amid preparations for a possible resumption of major US military operations against Iran.
According to Axios, one Patriot battery was sent to Saudi Arabia last month. It was deployed to protect a key oil facility in the kingdom. Another battery was sent to Qatar to defend a natural gas facility.
The deployments are intended to reassure both Gulf countries that Washington will help protect critical energy infrastructure. The move comes as tensions remain high over the possibility of renewed US military action against Iran.
US President Donald Trump has said he is considering renewed military operations against Tehran. He has also linked the possibility of further action to whether Iran agrees to a proposed deal.
Saudi and Qatari leaders had reportedly urged Trump in August not to launch major attacks on Iran. They were concerned that strikes on Iranian energy facilities could lead to retaliation against oil and gas sites in their own countries.
The report said Saudi Arabia’s airspace could be important for any renewed US military campaign. Riyadh would reportedly seek assurances that its energy infrastructure would be protected before approving the use of its airspace.
The United States is also increasing its military presence in the region. Additional warships, fighter aircraft and troops are being deployed, while the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group are heading toward the Middle East.
