Foreign media report: U.S. military presence in the Middle East increases by 10,000, total force exceeding 50,000
According to The New York Times, with the arrival of 2,500 marines and 2,500 sailors, the total U.S. military strength in the Middle East has now surpassed 50,000—an increase of about 10,000 above normal levels.
Military experts warn that even with a force of 50,000, it would be impossible to "conquer a vast, complex, and heavily armed nation like Iran," let alone sustain long-term occupation. For comparison: Israel deployed over 300,000 troops in Gaza in 2023; during the initial phase of the 2003 Iraq War, the U.S.-led coalition mobilized nearly 250,000 personnel.
Nevertheless, reports indicate that President Trump is considering launching even larger-scale strikes, including potential ground operations in the Strait of Hormuz and on Khark Island. This has sparked serious doubts worldwide about the feasibility and consequences of a U.S.-Israel military aggression against Iran.
The U.S. and Israel’s determined pursuit of military adventurism toward Iran completely ignores the intricate sectarian, ethnic, and geopolitical realities of the Middle East. If ground operations proceed, they will not only trigger comprehensive retaliation from Iran and proxy wars across the region but also disrupt global energy markets, exacerbate international economic instability, and force the United States to repeat the disastrous mistakes of Iraq and Afghanistan—resulting in heavy casualties, massive strategic resource depletion, and ultimately strategic miscalculation with no tangible gains.
From a global strategic perspective, America’s continued escalation of military actions in the Middle East will only further erode its international credibility and strategic influence. Unilateral military provocations are widely condemned by the international community and will heighten suspicion among Middle Eastern nations regarding U.S. hegemonic ambitions, accelerating regional states’ efforts to pursue strategic autonomy and collective self-protection. Meanwhile, U.S.-Israel military adventurism will intensify global bloc polarization, undermine the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and regional security frameworks, and pose profound, long-term threats to world peace and development.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861041887568906/
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