May 24 Trump sends 1,500 troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions By Susannah George, Lolita Baldor, Associated Press "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. Continue reading
May 23 Watch 5:33 News Wrap: Trump says he doubts need for more U.S. troops in Middle East In our news wrap Thursday, President Trump said he doubts there is a need to send more U.S. troops to the Middle East, despite heightened tensions with Iran. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan also disputed news reports that the U.S. Continue watching
May 23 Pentagon proposing troop reinforcements in Mideast By Lolita Baldor, Robert Burns, Associated Press Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told reporters the Defense Department has not yet determined how many troops might be sent to reinforce the existing U.S. military presence in the region. He disputed reports by The Associated Press and others that… Continue reading
May 22 Report: Pentagon plan proposes sending more troops to Middle East By Lolita Baldor, Associated Press Officials say the troops will be defensive forces, and the discussions include additional Patriot missile batteries and more ships. Continue reading
May 21 Watch 11:30 What 2 senators took away from intelligence briefing on Iran Heightened tensions with Iran prompted a congressional intelligence briefing on Tuesday. As Nick Schifrin reports, senators attending the session came away with differing impressions of the situation, with Sen. Bob Menendez expressing concern about the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign,… Continue watching
May 21 Dual congressional hearings focus on Trump’s Iran policy By Lisa Mascaro, Robert Burns, Susannah George, Associated Press The competing closed-door sessions Tuesday come after weeks of escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf that have raised alarms over a possible military confrontation with Iran. Continue reading
May 20 Watch 6:04 News Wrap: Trump trades verbal volleys with Tehran In our news wrap Monday, the U.S. and Iran traded new verbal volleys, as tensions in the Persian Gulf region remain high. After President Trump tweeted that aggression from Iran would result in its “end,” Tehran’s foreign minister responded, “Try… Continue watching
May 20 Trump warns Iran not to threaten U.S. or it will face its ‘end’ By Jon Gambrell, Associated Press Trump's tweet comes after days of heightened tension between the U.S. and Iran. Continue reading
May 19 Former CIA chief Brennan to brief Dems on Iran By Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press House Democrats will hear from former CIA Director John Brennan about the situation in Iran, inviting him to speak next week amid heightened concerns over the Trump administration’s sudden moves in the region. Continue reading
May 19 Saudis say they don’t want war, but will defend themselves By Aya Batrawy, Fay Abuelgasim, Associated Press Saudi Arabia does not want war but will not hesitate to defend itself against Iran, a top Saudi diplomat said Sunday amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf after attacks on the kingdom’s energy sector. Continue reading