The United States has announced the dispatch of another warship and a battery of missiles to the Middle East for "possible attacks from Iran"

The Pentagon announced Friday that it has sent a warship and a Patriot missile battery to the Middle East to reinforce an aircraft carrier and a bomber force deployed to counter the alleged threats from Iran.

The USS Arlington, which carries soldiers, amphibious vehicles, landing craft and aircraft equipped with propellers, as well as the Patriot anti-aircraft system will join the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and a force of B-52 bombers heading for the Persian Gulf, after intelligence reports suggested that Iran is planning an attack in the region.

The deployment is "in response to indications of Iran's greater willingness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and our interests"said the Pentagon in a statement.

"The Ministry of Defense continues to monitor closely the activities of the Iranian regime, its army and its representatives," he added.

The Pentagon stressed that "the United States does not seek a conflict with Iran", but warned that they were "ready to defend US forces and interests in the region".

Announcing the deployment of the Lincoln Aircraft Carrier and bombers, White House National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Sunday that the United States is sending a "clear and unequivocal message" to Iran. on any attack against the United States or its allies in the region.

But Washington has not given details about the alleged threat, which has earned it to be criticized for its excessive tensions and unnecessary escalation of tensions in the region.

Iran reacted to the initial military deployment by announcing that it would cease to implement two of its commitments stemming from the nuclear agreement signed in 2015 with the major powers, and that the United States United had dropped out last year.

In the midst of growing tensions, Trump said Thursday that he was open to discussions with Iranian leaders.