BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 14. The United States is increasing the number of military personnel in the Middle East as the conflict with Iran remains deadlocked, according to Michael Stephens of the Royal United Services Institute.
Stephens said people he spoke to had reported that relatives serving in the US Air Force had been called up for deployment to the region.
“They are expanding the number of personnel in the region, which obviously is a sign that there is some kind of build-up,” he said.
However, Stephens cautioned that the purpose of the increased deployment remains unclear.
“My assessment remains that the US currently cannot invade Iran and hope for any sort of victory,” he said.
Stephens described the current stalemate as difficult for both Washington and Tehran, adding that neither side appears to have gained a decisive advantage.
“I don’t think anyone is currently winning,” he said.
