US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he would strengthen military readiness in the Middle East by activating air defense systems “across” the region.
He also noted that additional units of the American military could be deployed there in the near future.
Such steps, according to Austin, are a response to “the recent escalation by Iran and its proxy forces in the Middle East.”
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“These steps will strengthen regional deterrence efforts, strengthen the protection of US forces in the region and help protect Israel,” he said.
The US defense chief did not specify how many additional US troops would be deployed to the region.
“I will continue to assess the needs of our forces in the region and consider deploying additional capabilities if necessary,” he said, adding that these steps would be taken after “detailed discussions” with US President Joe Biden.
Let us remind you that US President Joe Biden on Friday, October 20, submitted a request to Congress for a $106 billion aid package providing support for Ukraine and Israel.
It would provide $61.3 billion in funding for Ukraine over the course of a year, about $14 billion in aid to Israel, as well as $14 billion for immigration priorities and $10 billion for humanitarian aid, as well as increased funding to counter Chinese influence in Asia and developing countries.
