[Regnum] The United States has withdrawn some of its air defense systems from Ukrainian territory in order to use them to strengthen the protection of American bases in the Middle East. This was stated by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
"I've been at congressional hearings all week. And they asked me, 'Have you really moved counter-drone systems from Ukraine to the Middle East?' I said, 'Yes, we have,'" he said on Fox News.
The head of the Pentagon added that the American side will use all available means to protect US citizens in the Middle East and around the world.
Hegseth also noted that recent developments in defense have created a “different landscape.” He said “small systems” can pose a significant threat, which is why Washington must demonstrate maximum readiness to defend its bases and people, he concluded.
As reported by Regnum News Agency, on June 13, the Associated Press reported that the United States had begun moving its military forces to the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory strike against Israel. To this end, the U.S. Navy sent the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner to the Eastern Mediterranean and instructed the crew of another ship to begin moving forward and be on standby.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the start of a military operation against Iran on the night of June 13. Israeli military commanders said the strikes were aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program. The Israeli Air Force attacks in Tehran killed at least 78 people and wounded at least 329 others.