Defense Secretary Mark Esper warned on Thursday that Iran or militia groups it supports may be planning more attacks against US interests in the Middle East and said the Trump administration would take “preemptive action” if it has advance warning.

“There are some indications out there that they may be planning additional attacks, that is nothing new right, we’ve seen this for two or three months now,” Esper told reporters at the Pentagon.

“If that happens then we will act and, by the way, if we get word of attacks or some type indication, we will take preemptive action as well to protect American forces to protect American lives,” he continued.

Esper’s comments come after Iranian-backed militia tried to storm the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, shouting “Death to America” and igniting fires.

In response, the Defense Department immediately dispatched a contingent of Marines and two Apache helicopters to bolster US forces at the embassy.

Thousands more troops are poised to deploy to the Middle East, as well.

The defense secretary said the “game has changed” and the US defend US interests in the Middle East.

“We’re prepared to do what is necessary to defend our personnel and our interests and our partners in the region,” he said.

The Iranian-linked militiamen abandoned the siege on Wednesday.

With Post wires