Thousands of soldiers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division have begun arriving in the Middle East, as the United States increases its military presence in the region and President Donald Trump considers next steps in confronting Iran.
The deployment includes division headquarters units, logistics elements and a brigade combat team, according to two US officials, quoted by Reuters on condition of anonymity. They did not specify the exact location of the troops.
This development follows a March 18 report that the Trump administration was considering sending thousands of additional troops to the region, expanding operational options, including the possibility of action inside Iranian territory.
The paratroopers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, join other recently deployed U.S. forces, including Marines, Marines and special operations units. Over the weekend, about 2,500 Marines arrived in the Middle East.
One of the sources stressed that no decision has yet been made to send troops to Iran, but the increase in forces aims to increase capacities for possible future operations.
According to Reuters, options being discussed within the administration include a possible operation to seize Kharg Island, through which about 90% of Iran's oil exports pass. Such an action is considered high-risk due to Iran's ability to strike the island with missiles and drones.
Discussions have also included the possibility of using ground forces to secure highly enriched uranium, as well as deploying troops to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
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