Donald Trump told reporters Friday that the 1,500 troops would have a “mostly protective” role as part of a build-up that began this month in response to what the US said was a threat from Iran. The moves alarmed members of Congress, who demanded proof and details, amid fears the US was lurching toward open conflict. “Right now, I don’t think Iran wants to fight and I certainly don’t think they want to fight with us,” he said. He told reporters the conclusions were based on intelligence and evidence gathered in the region, and officials said they were trying to declassify some of the information so that it could be made public. The Trump administration withdrew last year from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and reinstated American sanctions that have badly damaged the Iranian economy.

Source: The Guardian May 25, 2019 02:25 UTC