Thread by @jseldin

JUST IN: “The #Iran|ian regime is waging a deliberate campaign to destabilize the #MiddleEast” per @EsperDoD, w/@thejointstaff Chairman Gen Joseph Dunford

“All indications are #Iran was responsible for the attack” on #Saudi oil facilities

“The weapon used in the attack were Iranian produced and were not launched from #Yemen as initially claimed” per @EsperDoD

“To prevent further escalation, #SaudiArabia requested int’l support“ Per @EsperDoD “The president has approved deployment of US Forces...primarily focused on air and missile defense. We will also work to accelerate the delivery of military equipment”

“This is the first step we’re taking” per @EsperDoD, adding also additional defensive support to #UAE

“We have many other military options available should they be necessary” per @EsperDoD

“We urge the Iranian leadership to cease their destructive and destabilizing activities”

Details of Air and missile defenses, deployments not yet decided, per Gen. Dunford

“There could be additional deployments as needed” per @EsperDoD

“No single system is going to be able to defend against a threat like that” Gen Dunford says of swarms of #iran|ian drones “A layered system of defensive capabilities would mitigate the risk”

US calling on other countries to condemn #Iran attacks, help provide defensive support for #KSA #UAE, per @EsperDoD

@The #UnitedStates has a robust presence in the Gulf already” per @EsperDoD

“We feel quite confident... right now we’re focused on helping the Saudis bolster their defenses”

“The fact is the #Saudis we’re attacked by both drones and cruise missiles” no matter who you think did it, per @EsperDoD, asking allies to step up support for #KSA

Chairman of @thejointstaff Gen Dunford says he will make specific recommendations to the SecDef on US deployments to Saudi Arabia early next week