US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Washington would act swiftly and decisively, if Iran or its proxies attacks U S personnel anywhere.
Blinken spoke to the 15-member U N Security Council, amid international fears the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip could spill over into a wider war.
Officials said the U S military was taking new steps to protect its troops in the Middle East, as concerns mount about attacks by Iran-backed groups.
The US had also sent warships and fighter aircraft to the region to try to deter Iran and Iran-backed groups, including two aircraft carriers
