The U.S. military is significantly expanding its presence in the Middle East, deploying additional air-defense systems, warships and Marines as tensions with Iran continue and the possibility of renewed military action remains on the table.

According to reports, two additional Patriot missile-defense batteries have been deployed in recent weeks, with one positioned in Saudi Arabia and another in Qatar to protect critical oil and natural-gas facilities.

The buildup comes after President Donald Trump said Thursday that he now faces a decision over Iran, declaring that Tehran must sign an agreement or face severe consequences.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have expressed concern that their energy infrastructure could be targeted in an Iranian response to any renewed U.S. military action. During previous deliberations over a possible American strike in August, Gulf leaders reportedly pressed Trump not to proceed, in part because of fears of Iranian retaliation against oil and gas facilities.

At the same time, the USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego on Sunday and is expected to reach the Middle East in mid-November. It could join the USS George H.W. Bush, which has been operating in the region since March, and the USS George Washington, which was dispatched from Japan during the summer.

If all three remain in the region simultaneously, the U.S. could have as many as three aircraft carrier strike groups positioned in the Middle East. However, an American official cautioned that no final decision has been made on whether the Theodore Roosevelt will join the other carriers or replace one of them.

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)