US Enhances Presence in Middle East Amid De-escalation Talk

The US is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, according to American media outlets, despite talks of de-escalation.

Fox News, citing government sources, reported that an aircraft carrier, likely the USS Abraham Lincoln, with its strike group, is heading to the region from the South China Sea. Its arrival is expected in about a week.

Additional weapons systems, defensive equipment, anti-aircraft defenses, and fighter jets are expected to follow.

The Axios website also confirmed the Lincoln's course towards the region.

The Pentagon has not yet officially confirmed the deployment. President Trump has not ruled out military options after threats to Iran, despite appeals from Arab states and Israel to Washington not to proceed, according to the New York Times.

Source: AΠΕ-ΜΠΕ-dpa