Washington, Oct. 2 -- The United States military has positioned two extra Patriot missile batteries in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reinforcing security around critical petroleum and natural gas installations as Washington braces for potential large-scale military engagements involving Iran.

According to an Axios report, which referenced a pair of American officials and a regional insider, the troop movements follow worries expressed by Saudi and Qatari authorities that Tehran might target their energy assets if Washington restarts major offensives against Iran.

One Patriot unit was dispatched to Saudi Arabia to safeguard a major oil installation, whereas a second was stationed in Qatar to protect a primary gas facility, Axios noted.

The ma...