Mideast Buildup

The Obama Administration is moving to put missile defense technology in Persian Gulf countries to deter Iran, a move that will require the presence of more U.S. troops in the region. “The Obama administration has increased the U.S. military presence near Iran and is accelerating installation of antimissile systems in nearby countries, officials said Saturday, as the White House builds pressure for stern new sanctions against Tehran. New air defense systems are being delivered to Persian Gulf countries, and specially-equipped cruisers — a linchpin of the U.S. missile defense system — are being deployed in the waters of the Persian Gulf, the officials said. The moves are intended to reassure Gulf countries that they would be protected against possible offensive action from Tehran, which is under intensified international pressure to refrain from developing nuclear weapons. U.S. officials stressed the defensive nature of the actions being taken throughout the region. The initiative involves the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, four countries with close military ties to the U.S.”