US sending more defensive assets to Middle East: Defence Secretary

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that he had ordered more defensive assets to be sent to the Middle East, as the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran drives regional tension higher. Mr Hegseth did not disclose what he ordered sent to the region, but Reuters reported earlier on Monday that a large number of US military refuelling aircraft and an aircraft carrier were heading to the Middle East. “Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” Mr Hegseth said in a post on social media platform X.