Pentagon says US forces will bolster kingdom’s air and missile defenses.

Axar.az reports citing Yenisafak that President Donald Trump on Friday approved the deployment of U.S. forces to bolster Saudi Arabia’s air defenses after an attack on the kingdom’s oil infrastructure that has been blamed on Iran.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the deployment of an unspecified number of troops was “defensive in nature” but warned Tehran that the U.S. has “other military options available.”

“To prevent further escalation, Saudi Arabia requested international support to help protect the kingdom's critical infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates has also requested assistance,” Esper told reporters.

“In response to the kingdom's request, the president has approved the deployment of United States forces, which will be defensive in nature and primarily focused on air and missile defense.”

Yemen’s Houthi rebel group initially claimed responsibility for the attack, but the U.S. has since blamed Iran, as has Saudi Arabia. The Islamic Republic has denied any connection to the strikes.

The Pentagon chief said the deployment would support the global economy and “demonstrate our commitment to upholding the rules-based order that we've long called on Iran to obey.”