US defense chief says he directed additional capabilities to Middle East over weekend

Pete Hegseth says protecting US forces is 'top priority' and deployments intended to 'enhance our defensive posture' in region

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Monday that he directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the Middle East over the weekend amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

"Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility," Hegseth said on X.

"Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region," he added.

Tensions have escalated since Friday, when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes and drone attacks on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said that at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since then.

Iran said that at least 224 people have been killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.

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