The
United States is deploying troops in
Saudi Arabia as tensions soar with its arch-rival
Iran raising concerns over navigation in the Gulf's strategic Strait of Hormuz.
It will be the first deployment of its kind since 2003, when
American forces withdrew from the kingdom after a 12-year presence and two US-led wars with
Iraq that culminated with the toppling of dictator Saddam Hussein.
Separate statements from Riyadh and the US Central Command, or CENTCOM, say the Saudi deployment aims to ensure stability in the turbulent Gulf.