WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. is sending 1,000 more troops to the Middle East as tensions in the Persian Gulf mounted today over Irans announcement it will not comply with the international agreement that keeps it from making nuclear weapons. At the same time, Iran insisted it was not seeking war.
Irans announcement Monday that it could soon start enriching uranium to just a step away from weapons-grade levels challenged President Donald Trumps assurances to allies that the U.S. withdrawal from the deal last year made the world a safer place.
The Pentagon responded by ordering 1,000 more troops to the Middle East, including security forces for additional surveillance and intelligence-gathering. The escalation of American military might was aimed at deterring Iran and calming allies worried about the safety of strategic shipping lanes.
Irans president, Hassan Rouhani, insisted today that while we do not wage war with any nation, Iranians will withstand mounting U.S. pressure and emerge victorious.
After Trump withdrew from the deal signed by President Barack Obama, he reinstated stiff economic sanctions, leaving the European and other partners in the accord struggling to keep Iran on board.
Irans announcement that it would not abide by a limit on uranium stockpiles established under the 2015 agreement puts the U.S. in the awkward position of demanding that Iran comply with a deal that Trump derides as the worst in history.
We continue to call on the Iranian regime not to obtain a nuclear weapon, to abide by their commitments to the international community, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Monday.
The U.S. accuses Iran of attacking two tankers near the Persian Gulf; the Iranians deny responsibility. With details murky and no one owning up to the attacks, the Pentagon released new photos intended to bolster its case.
In announcing the new deployment, acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said the forces are for defensive purposes to address air, naval, and ground-based threats in the Mideast.
The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, Shanahan said, describing the move as intended to ensure the safety and welfare of our military personnel working throughout the region and to protect our national interests.
He said the U.S. will continue to adjust troop levels as needed.
Russia urged restraint by all parties and worries that the additional American forces could bring in extra tensions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Some supporters of the multinational nuclear deal blamed the Trump administration for Irans provocative announcements, saying they were predictable given the renewed U.S. pressure.
While Irans frustration with Trumps reckless and irresponsible pressure campaign is understandable, we strongly urge Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear deal, the Arms Control Association said in a statement. It remains in Irans interests to abide by the limits of the agreement.
Iran has shown no willingness to negotiate another deal and has pledged not enter into talks with the United States while the administration keeps up the pressure with sanctions.
