Pentagon deploys warship, Patriot missiles in Middle East to deter Iranian 'threats'

Amid escalating tensions with Iran, Pentagon has anunced that it is deploying a  warship and a Patriot air defence missile system in Middle East to deter threats of possible operations against US forces in region by Tehran.

USS Arlington, which transports amphibious vehicles and aircraft, and Patriot air defence system will join USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a B-52 bomber task force in Middle East region in response to "indications of heightened Iranian reiness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and our interests, Pentagon said Friday.

approval to deploy ditional military asset against Iran has been done at request of US Central Command, it said, ding that Pentagon continues to closely monitor activities of Iranian regime, ir military and proxies. 

Pentagon said US did t seek conflict with Iran, but that Washington was "rey to defend US forces and interests in region".

" Department of Defense continues to closely monitor activities of Iranian regime," it said in a statement.

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"Due to operational security, we will t discuss timelines or location of forces, Pentagon said. 

USS Arlington is a San Antonio-class ship that transports US marines, amphibious vehicles, conventional landing craft and rotary aircraft with capability to support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions.

It also provides a high-quality command and control capability and improved interoperability with our allies and partners in region. A Patriot battery is a long-range, all-wear air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and vanced aircraft.  

Senator Jim Inhofe, chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, welcomed move. "By proactively moving USS Arlington and a Patriot system to region to join USS Abraham Lincoln, United States is sending Iran a clear mess: stand down or we will stand up," he said.

US President Donald Trump last year unilaterally withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal America and or nations h agreed with Iran in 2015. Under accord, Iran h agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for sanctions relief.

White House last month said it would end exemptions from sanctions for five countries - China, India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey - that were still buying Iranian oil.

US also blacklisted Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps, designating it as a foreign terrorist group.

Iran on Wednesday threatened to enrich its uranium stockpile closer to weapons-gre levels if Europe, China and Russia fail to deliver sanctions relief within 60 days.

Early this week, US Central Command Commander General Kenneth McKenzie alleged that Iranian regime directly engs in far reaching terrorist activities.  

We kw that Iranian regime kws what our military capabilities are and we have a healthy respect for m. And that's good. And while y have avoided direct military conflict with United States and our partners y have demonstrated willingness and ability to attack our people, our interests and our friends and allies in confusing, complex zone just short of armed conflict, he said. 

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In his dress to Foundation of Defence and Democracies, McKenzie alleged that Iranian regime has smuggled ballistic missiles into Yemen and assisted with ir construction and deployment.

And y're employed by Hufis against King of Saudi Arabia as well as against United Arab Emirates, threatening US partners as well as Americans who live and work re.