US Weighs Sending Thousands More Troops to Middle East

The Pentagon is considering deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, as Donald Trump signals openness to a potential deal with Iran to end the ongoing conflict, according to a Reuters report.

The planned deployment could involve between 3,000 and 4,000 soldiers from the U.S. Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division, currently based at Fort Bragg. Sources familiar with the matter said the troops’ destination and deployment timeline have not yet been finalized.

The move would add to a significant U.S. military buildup in the region, raising the stakes in a war now entering its fourth week and already impacting global markets.

The White House said any formal announcement would come from the Pentagon, reiterating that the president retains all military options. However, officials noted that no final decision has been made to deploy ground forces داخل Iran, though the additional troops would expand operational flexibility for potential future actions.

The development follows earlier reports that the United States had dispatched thousands of Marines and sailors aboard the USS Boxer, along with accompanying warships, to the region.

Prior to the latest plans, the United States already had about 50,000 troops stationed across the Middle East.

Despite the military buildup, Trump recently delayed threats to strike Iranian power plants, citing what he described as “productive” contacts with Tehran. Iranian officials, however, have denied that any such talks have taken place.

Since the conflict escalated on February 28 with joint U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, thousands of targets have reportedly been struck داخل the country. A U.S. official said 13 American troops have been killed and about 290 wounded, with some still in serious condition.

Military planners are also evaluating strategic options, including securing the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. Other considerations include potential operations around Kharg Island, which handles the majority of Iran’s oil exports.

The 82nd Airborne Division is known for its rapid deployment capability, able to mobilize within 18 hours for airborne assault operations.

However, any expansion involving U.S. ground forces could carry political risks for Trump, particularly amid declining domestic support for the campaign. Recent polling shows public approval for the strikes has dipped, with a majority of Americans opposing the military action.