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Eugene

(62,658 posts)
Fri May 24, 2019, 02:45 PM May 2019

Trump sends 1,500 troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions

Source: Associated Press

Trump sends 1,500 troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions

By SUSANNAH GEORGE and LOLITA C. BALDOR
May 24, 2019

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will bolster its military presence in the Middle East with an additional 1,500 troops, President Donald Trump said Friday amid heightened tensions with Iran.

Trump said the troops would have a “mostly protective” role as part of a build-up that began this month in response to what the U.S said was a threat from Iran without providing details or evidence.

“We are going to be sending a relatively small number of troops, mostly protective,” the president told reporters at the White House before setting off on a trip to Japan. “Some very talented people are going to the Middle East right now and we’ll see what happens.”

Trump has in recent weeks alternated between tough talk toward Iran and a more conciliatory message, insisting he is open to negotiations with the Islamic Republic. He seemed to downplay the prospect of conflict when he spoke at the White House.

“Right now, I don’t think Iran wants to fight and I certainly don’t think they want to fight with us,” he said.

The administration notified Congress earlier in the day about the troop plans.

-snip-


Read more: https://www.apnews.com/10044ee6ce494283ba4c2e7f86f7b650
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Trump sends 1,500 troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions (Original Post) Eugene May 2019 OP
"amid" apparently equals "to heighten" FiveGoodMen May 2019 #1
Get Smart Turbineguy May 2019 #2

Turbineguy

(38,383 posts)
2. Get Smart
Fri May 24, 2019, 02:57 PM
May 2019

"There's a carrier task force off your coast right now!

"Would you believe a Destroyer?"

"Two cops in a row boat?"

Trump won't do anything. He knows he cannot shove off the blame.

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