Pentagon confirms weighing more troops for Middle East

Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan Thursday confirmed that the Pentagon was considering sending additional U.S. troops to the Middle East as one of the ways to bolster protection for American forces there amid tensions with Iran.

"What we're looking at is: Are there things that we can do to enhance force protection in the Middle East?" Shanahan said.

"It may involve sending additional troops."

But Shanahan, in remarks to reporters outside the Pentagon, dismissed reports suggesting specific numbers of troops were being considered at this point, saying: "As soon as there's a change, I'll give you an update."

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have been steadily escalating in recent weeks, as U.S. President Donald Trump tightens sanctions meant to cut off Iran's ability to sell oil on global markets. The Trump administration is also warning of possible Iranian plots against America and its allies.

Iran denies the accusations.

Any decision to send additional U.S. troops would follow a move to accelerate the deployment of a carrier strike group to the Middle East and send bombers and Patriot missiles to the region in response to what Washington said were troubling indications of possible preparations for an attack by Iran.

The United States says the steps are aimed at preventing conflict by deterring any dangerous activity by Iran or Iran-backed forces. But Iran has accused the United States of brinksmanship.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that the Pentagon was considering a proposal to send about 5,000 troops while other media reported that up to 10,000 could be deployed.

"I got up this morning and read that we were sending 10,000 troops to the Middle East, and then I read more recently that there was 5,000," Shanahan said.

"There is no 10,000 and there is no 5,000."