Cole Statement on Troop Deployment to Saudi Arabia, UAE

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced Friday that President Donald Trump has approved deployment of U.S. defensive troops to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This action by the Trump Administration comes in response to last weekend's drone attacks on major oil sites in Saudi Arabia.

"Iran's attack on Saudi Arabia is a deliberate and dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between the two countries. It poses a significant threat to the free flow of energy and the global economy," said Cole. "President Trump's response to this latest Iranian aggression has been measured and prudent. I am hopeful that these measures will encourage the Iranian regime to reconsider and reverse its reckless actions.

"Neither President Trump nor the American people want a military conflict with Iran. But the Iranian regime would be well advised not to overplay its hand by risking a conflict with America. The United States has more than enough military assets in the region to defend its interests and those of its friends and allies. That is clearly the message that the president is sending to Iran. Its leaders would be wise to heed it."