The administration of former President Donald Trump is evaluating the deployment of thousands more American troops to the Middle East as it considers expanding its military operations against Iran, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
An exclusive report indicates that the proposed troop reinforcements would provide the US president with a wider range of strategic options as the conflict progresses into a potentially new stage, with combat operations now in their third week.
Plans for deployment may include ensuring safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route that has been affected by the ongoing conflict, primarily employing air and naval forces. However, there are discussions about the possibility of stationing US troops along the coastline of Iran.
Additionally, officials are contemplating sending ground forces to Kharg Island, which is responsible for approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Although the US has previously targeted military sites on the island, military analysts suggest that taking control of the facility could be more strategically significant than merely destroying it, despite the considerable risks posed by Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.
The administration has also investigated strategies to secure Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, although experts caution that such missions would be intricate and could be perilous, even for elite American special forces.
A White House representative remarked that no definitive decision has been made regarding troop deployments, reiterating that all options are being evaluated as part of ongoing military strategy.
“There has been no decision to send ground troops at this time, but President Trump wisely keeps all options at his disposal,” the official stated.
The official further clarified that the administration's goals encompass dismantling Iran's missile capabilities, neutralizing its naval forces, restricting the reach of its regional allies, and preventing the progression of its nuclear weapons program.
These discussions coincide with intensified US military actions aimed at Iran’s military capabilities, including targeting its naval forces, missile stockpiles, and defense infrastructure. US Central Command has indicated that over 7,800 strikes have been executed since the conflict initiated on February 28, damaging or destroying more than 120 Iranian vessels.
Despite these developments, deploying ground troops remains a politically sensitive issue, with the US public showing limited support for the ongoing conflict and concerns over deeper military involvement in the Middle East.
Moreover, US casualties have been rising, with 13 service members killed and approximately 200 injured since the war's onset, although many injuries are classified as minor.
The proposed reinforcement plans are in addition to the anticipated arrival of an Amphibious Ready Group and a Marine Expeditionary Unit comprising over 2,000 Marines, reflecting the extensive range of military options under consideration.
Simultaneously, the US military is recalibrating its forces, including the redeployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford to Greece for maintenance following a fire, which has reduced naval capacity in the area.
Trump has also changed his position regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz, initially proposing US naval escorts for commercial vessels, then later urging allies to take responsibility. With minimal international support, he has even raised doubts about the US's continued role in ensuring safety in the region.
“I wonder what would happen if we 'finished off' what’s left of the Iranian Terror State and let the Countries that utilize it, which we don’t, take responsibility for the so-called 'Strait?'” Trump remarked.
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