WASHINGTON – The United States has begun deploying additional special operations forces to the Middle East as it prepares for the possibility of military action against Iran, according to a report by a US newspaper citing informed sources.
The report said Washington has also started sending additional troops, medical personnel, and military equipment to the region to provide President Donald Trump with broader military options in the event of potential operations against Iran.
According to the sources, US Special Operations Forces have arrived in the Middle East from domestic bases over the past week. Flight-tracking data and US officials reportedly confirm the deployment.
The report added that fighter jet squadrons have been positioned at various locations across the Middle East, while US and British military bases have placed bomber aircraft on high alert to enable a rapid escalation of military operations if required.
The developments come after President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran, saying the country would “pay a heavy price” and that military strikes would continue.
The increased military deployment signals heightened tensions in the region as Washington strengthens its readiness for potential action against Tehran.
Earlier, Yemen’s Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, has claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers, alleging that the vessels violated a maritime blockade imposed by the group.
In a statement, Ansar Allah said the targeted tankers had breached the blockade recently announced by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, a Saudi-owned vessel was attacked while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire to break out in the ship’s bow. The agency said all crew members were safe despite the incident.
Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a vessel caught fire about 70 nautical miles off the Saudi coastal town of Al Shaqiq.
The tanker’s captain reportedly said the fire was caused by a missile strike. No casualties or environmental damage have been reported.
The attack comes days after the Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. The group’s spokesperson said the measure was a response to what it described as the Saudi-led blockade on Yemen, particularly the continued closure of Sana’a International Airport.
The spokesperson stated that the airport’s closure was unacceptable and said the maritime blockade was intended as a reciprocal response to the restrictions imposed on Yemen.
