WASHINGTON D.C.: Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan announced on Monday the deployment of about 1,000 more troops to the Middle East for what he said were defensive purposes, citing concerns about a threat from Iran. “The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable, credible intelligence we have received on hostile behaviour by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten United States personnel and interests across the region,” Shanahan said in a statement. The new US deployment to the Middle East is in addition to a 1,500-troop increase announced last month in response to tanker attacks in May. The nuclear deal seeks to head off any pathway to an Iranian nuclear bomb in return for the removal of most international sanctions. That is far below the 90 percent needed for weapons-grade uranium and also below the 20 percent level to which Iran enriched uranium before the deal.

Source: Pakistan Today June 17, 2019 23:37 UTC