US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that his country does not want a war with Iran and deploying more forces to the Persian Gulf is for “deterrence and defense.”

Pompeo told Fox News on Sunday: “Our mission set is to avoid war. You saw what Secretary Esper announced on Friday, we are putting additional forces in the region for the purpose of deterrence and defense.”

He added: “If that deterrence should continue to fail, I am also confident that President Trump would continue to take the actions that are necessary.”

Tensions have escalated even more between the United States and the Islamic Republic after the recent attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels of Yemen have claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Saudi Arabia and the US have rejected their claims and believe Iran is directly responsible for the attacks on Aramco facilities.

France and Britain have also claimed that Houthis claims are implausible or lack credibility.

In response to the attacks, President Trump announced new sanction on Iran’s central bank, which he called the most severe sanctions ever. The US Defense Department has also announced the deployment of troops to the region.

Iran denies the allegations, but Riyadh and Washington say they have evidence that proves Iran has launched these attacks against Saudi Arabian oil facilities.