Patriot batteries and 3 aircraft carriers: US prepares to renew war with Iran

The US military has deployed two additional Patriot batteries in Saudi Arabia and Qatar in recent weeks to protect oil and gas facilities, ahead of a possible renewal of the attack on Iran. Meanwhile, three aircraft carriers are expected to arrive in the Middle East, along with thousands of Marines. The preparations are intended to ensure the support of Arab allies for a potential strike.

The US military has deployed two additional Patriot batteries in Saudi Arabia and Qatar in recent weeks, aiming to protect key oil and gas facilities from a possible Iranian response if President Trump decides to renew the major offensive against Iran, according to a report on Axios citing US officials and a regional source. Trump said on Thursday he is considering resuming the bombings in the coming weeks and issued an ultimatum: "Either Iran signs the deal, or it will no longer exist." One battery was sent to Saudi Arabia to protect a major oil facility, and the other to Qatar to protect a natural gas facility. The US will need Saudi approval to use the kingdom's airspace if fighting resumes, and the Saudis are unlikely to grant it if they fear their oil facilities are exposed. In early August, when Trump considered a broad strike, Saudi and Qatari leaders convinced him to back down due to fears of an Iranian response. Now, the deployment of Patriot batteries is meant to ease those concerns. Meanwhile, the US is sending more warships, fighter jets, and troops to the region. The aircraft carrier "Theodore Roosevelt" departed San Diego on Sunday and is expected to arrive in mid-November, joining two other aircraft carriers already in the area. On Monday, the "Makin Island" amphibious ready group also departed for the region with thousands of Marines.