<Anchor>

As Iran raises the threat of retaliation, Washington says it is preparing for the worst, calling for Iran's restraint. It is reportedly preparing to deploy strategic bombers as they rush to send more troops to the Middle East.

Canon correspondent correspondent in Washington.

<Reporter>

President Trump has repeatedly stressed the justification for the assassination, saying Commander Soleimani has simulated further attacks on Americans.

[Trump / US President: We have a tremendous amount of information. I've been tracking Soleimani for a long time and followed his movement for three days. We have saved many lives.]

Iran says it is ready to fight back if Iran strikes.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper says he does not want to fight Iran but is preparing for the worst.

[Mark Esper / Secretary of Defense: I'll watch what happens. We are preparing for the worst. May Tehran's leaders make a decision to ease tension.]

Esper also reaffirmed that US troops in Iraq have no plans to withdraw.

US military forces in the Middle East are also strengthening.

CNN quoted US officials as saying that six B-52 bombers will be deployed at Indian Ocean Air Base near Iran.

Additional dispatch work continues.

In addition to the 3,500 rapid response troops, more than 4,500 troops, including the Navy and Marines, will be deployed.

The Wall Street Journal reports that more than 80,000 US troops are based in the Middle East.