WASHINGTON — The Pentagon will send an additional 900 US forces to the Middle East and extend the term of 600 more already deployed in the region, White House and Defense Department officials said today. The move is a part of force protection efforts meant to deter potential attacks by Iran or its proxies against US forces and partners in the region.

“We’re going to be sending a relatively small number of troops, mostly protective,” President Donald Trump told journalists today as he left the White House to travel to Japan. “Some very talented people are going to the Middle East now and … we’ll see what happens. It’ll be about 1,500 people.”

Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said he approved the request from CENTCOM combatant commander Gen. Kenneth McKenzie to send the additional personnel, as well as a fighter aircraft squadron and additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to the region as a “prudent defensive measure.” He also said he had authorized the deployment of a Patriot missile battery to the region, but it turns out it is already in the region and its time there is being extended.

“These capabilities are intended to enhance our defenses, harden our positions and provide additional [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] coverage to see the threat and be able to illuminate the threat more clearly,” acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Katie Wheelbarger told journalists at the Pentagon today.