US considers deploying thousands of troops to region amid ongoing conflict

US Considering Troop Deployments to Reinforce Operations in Middle East

The Trump administration is reportedly considering deploying thousands of troops to reinforce its operations in the Middle East, according to a US official and three people familiar with the matter. The deployments could provide President Donald Trump with additional options as he weighs expanding US operations.

The US military is preparing for possible next steps in its war against Iran, which has entered its third week. The administration is considering securing safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a mission that would be accomplished primarily through air and naval forces. This operation could also involve deploying US troops to Iran’s shoreline.

Additionally, the Trump administration has discussed options to send ground forces to Iran’s Kharg island, which is the hub for 90% of Iran’s oil exports. One official described such an operation as “very risky” due to Iran’s ability to reach the island with missiles and drones.

The administration has also considered deploying US forces to secure Iran’s stocks of highly enriched uranium. Experts say that this task would be complex and risky, even for US special operations forces.

A White House official stated that there has been no decision to send ground troops at this time, but President Trump keeps all options at his disposal. The Pentagon declined to comment on the matter.

The US military has carried out over 7,800 strikes since launching the war on February 28 and damaged or destroyed more than 120 Iranian vessels so far.

Source: Al Jazeera