WASHINGTON: Thousands of soldiers from the US Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have begun arriving in the Middle East as US President Donald Trump considers next steps in the ongoing war against Iran, two US officials told Reuters.
The deployment follows earlier reports that the administration was weighing sending additional troops to the region to expand military options, including potential operations inside Iran.
The paratroopers, based at Fort Bragg, join thousands of sailors, Marines and Special Operations forces already deployed. Over the weekend, about 2,500 Marines also arrived in the region.
Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the latest deployment includes elements of the division’s headquarters, logistics units and a brigade combat team. No decision has been made to send troops into Iran, but the move is aimed at building capacity for potential future operations.
US officials have discussed possible missions including seizing Kharg Island, which handles around 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports. However, such an operation would carry significant risks due to Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.
Discussions have also included potential ground operations to secure highly enriched uranium and ensure safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump said the United States was in talks with what he described as a “more reasonable regime” to end the conflict, while warning Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its oil and power infrastructure.
Since operations began on February 28 under Operation Epic Fury, the US has carried out strikes on more than 11,000 targets. Over 300 US troops have been injured and 13 service members killed during the campaign.