U.S. Defense Secretary Directs Troop Deployment to Middle East
(MENAFN) On Monday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that he authorized the rapid deployment of additional military assets to the Middle East over the weekend in response to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
Hegseth took to X to state, "Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility." He emphasized, "Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region."
According to a defense official who spoke with a news agency, Hegseth ordered the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) zone to maintain "our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel." The official further explained that within the US European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility, the Navy continues operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, supporting US national security interests.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell reaffirmed that American troops are holding a "defensive posture," which remains unchanged. "We will protect American troops & our interests," Parnell wrote on X.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is set to return to Washington, DC, later Monday, concluding his involvement in the G7 summit held in Canada.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt shared on X that, "President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer." She added, "Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State."
Media reported that Trump has instructed the National Security Council to remain on high alert in the situation room. Earlier, he urged civilians to evacuate Tehran without delay amid the worsening Israel-Iran standoff.
Trump declared on his Truth Social platform: "Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again!"
"Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!"
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