In addition, the US Defense Department is moving additional assets to the Middle East region in order to “to bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for US forces,” a defense official said to CNN.

While the US is not anticipating that Iran or its proxies will attack the US directly as part of its retaliation, Kirby said the country is moving assets to be “prepared.”

Kirby said: “It would be imprudent if we didn’t take a look at our own posture in the region to make sure that we’re properly prepared.”

Officials have said an attack by Iran could come within the week.

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