Trump says US is not putting troops in Middle East region

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US President Donald Trump speaking at the White House on March 19, during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

US President Donald Trump speaking at the White House on March 19, during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

PHOTO: EPA

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  • Trump denies plans to deploy more US troops to the Middle East, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
  • Reuters reported the Trump administration considered sending troops to reinforce the Iran operation.
  • Trump stated, "I'm not putting troops anywhere," but added, "We will do whatever is necessary".

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WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on March 19 suggested he was not looking at deploying soldiers to the Middle East with the Iran war heading towards a fourth week.

“I’m not putting troops anywhere,” Mr Trump said, in response to a reporter who asked whether he was planning to send more service members to the region.

“If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you. But I’m not putting troops. We will do whatever is necessary.”

Mr Trump spoke at the White House during an Oval Office meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Reuters reported on March 18 that the Trump administration is considering deploying thousands of US troops to reinforce the Iran operation, citing a US official and three people familiar with the matter.

Thirteen US troops have been killed since Iran launched strikes against US military bases following the start of the conflict on Feb 28. REUTERS

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