Thousands of soldiers from the US Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have begun arriving in the Middle East, expanding Washington’s military footprint as President Donald Trump weighs next steps in the conflict with Iran, Reuters reported.
“Thousands of soldiers from the US Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have started arriving in the Middle East,” two US officials told Reuters, signalling a significant build-up of ground forces in the region.
The deployment adds to a growing US military presence that already includes sailors, Marines and Special Operations forces.
Over the weekend alone, about 2,500 Marines were sent to the region, while the latest wave includes elements of the 82nd Airborne’s headquarters, logistics units and a brigade combat team, according to Reuters.
The troops are based out of Fort Bragg in North Carolina, though officials did not disclose their exact deployment locations.
EXPANDING OPTIONS FOR TRUMP
Reuters had earlier reported that the Trump administration was considering sending thousands more troops to the Middle East, potentially opening the door to operations inside Iran.
“No decision has been made to send troops into Iran, but they will build up capacity for potential future operations,” one official told Reuters.
The deployment provides flexibility for a range of missions, including securing key infrastructure and responding to escalating tensions.
KHARG ISLAND AND STRATEGIC TARGETS
Among the options under discussion is a potential operation to seize Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Reuters reported that such a move would carry significant risks, as Iran has the capability to strike the island with missiles and drones.
Other scenarios include deploying ground forces to extract highly enriched uranium or to secure shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Even as troops deploy, Trump said the United States is in talks with what he described as a “more reasonable regime” in Iran, while warning that failure to reach a deal could trigger strikes on oil and power infrastructure.
Any move to deploy US ground troops inside Iran carries political risks for Trump, particularly given limited domestic support for the conflict and his earlier pledges to avoid new Middle East wars.
Since operations began on February 28, the US has struck more than 11,000 targets under Operation Epic Fury. The campaign has left over 300 U.S. troops injured and 13 service members dead.
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