In Other News · United States

Source: Axios

The U.S. military in recent weeks sent two additional Patriot missile batteries to protect oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two U.S. officials and one regional source said. Why it matters: The U.S. wanted to reassure both allies that it would protect their key energy facilities in case President Trump decides to resume major combat operations against Iran. Trump said on Thursday that he's considering renewing a bombing campaign in the coming weeks. "Now I have to make a decision: either Iran signs the deal, or it won't exist any longer," he said. Flashback: In early August, when Trump was considering launching a massive attack that included strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, the leaders of both Saudi Arabia and Qatar lobbied him not to do it. They expressed grave concern that Iran would strike their oil and natural gas facilities in retaliation.U.S. officials said the pleas were a key reason Trump decided not to attack and move instead toward an economic pressure campaign. Behind the scenes: Last month, the U.S. military sent one additional Patriot battery to Saudi Arabia to protect a key oil facility. Another Patriot battery was sent to Qatar to protect a natural gas...