WASHINGTON, June 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) in Florida on Tuesday, U.S. State Department said on Monday.
Pompeo is going to visit the headquarters of USCENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida, U.S. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said at a press briefing.
"He will meet with General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of Central Command, and General Richard Clarke, commander of Special Operations Command, to discuss regional security concerns and ongoing operations," she added.
The announcement of Pompeo's visit came as reports said that the Trump administration expected to discuss deploying additional troops to the Middle East after two oil tankers came under attack in the Gulf of Oman on June 13.
"The discussions are centering on the mission of deterrence and defense against Iranian aggression and what specific forces would be needed to conduct that mission," CNN reported on Sunday, citing two officials.
The two officials revealed that the deployment of additional Patriot air defense system, fighter jets and ships could contribute to the "deterrence and defense against Iran."
The Trump administration has accused that Iran was behind the attacks on the two oil tankers, which Tehran denied.
During an interview on Sunday, Pompeo said Washington is considering a full range of options, including military ones, to respond to the attacks.
Many analysts are worried that unintended incidents and miscalculations between Washington and Tehran might ultimately trigger military conflicts.
Iran has vowed to withstand the U.S. "bullying policies."
