Thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division have begun arriving in the Middle East
According to Reuters, two U.S. officials revealed on Monday that thousands of troops from the elite U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division have started arriving in the Middle East as President Trump weighs his next steps in a potential war with Iran.
The deployed military forces include parts of the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters, some logistics and support personnel, and a brigade combat team. These paratroopers, based at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, will join thousands of previously deployed Navy, Marine Corps, and special operations forces in the region. Last weekend, approximately 2,500 Marines had already arrived in the Middle East.
One source stated that no decision has yet been made about deploying troops directly into Iran, but this move aims to enhance operational readiness for potential future actions in the region.
The report notes that these soldiers could serve multiple purposes in a conflict with Iran, including attempting to seize Khark Island — a critical hub through which 90% of Iran’s oil exports pass.
It is reported that discussions within the Trump administration have centered on an operation to seize Khark Island. The mission carries significant risks, as Iran could retaliate using missiles and drones against the island. Additionally, U.S. officials have considered deploying ground forces inside Iran to capture highly enriched uranium, though such a plan would require American troops to penetrate deeper into Iranian territory and remain there for longer periods to extract materials buried underground. There are also reports that internal discussions within the Trump administration included the possibility of sending U.S. forces into Iran to ensure the safety of oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. While this task would primarily be carried out by air and naval forces, it could also imply the deployment of U.S. military units along Iran’s coastline.
On Monday, Trump stated that the U.S. is negotiating with a "more rational regime" to end the war with Iran, but he once again warned Tehran that it must open the Strait of Hormuz or face the risk of U.S. attacks on its oil wells and power plants.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump told his aides that even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, he would still be willing to end military action against Iran.
Reuters noted that given low levels of public support in the U.S. for military action against Iran, and considering Trump’s own campaign pledge to avoid involving the U.S. in new Middle East conflicts, any use of U.S. ground troops—even for limited missions—could pose significant political risks for Trump.
On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched multiple strikes against targets inside Iran, including attacks on Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. In response, Iran conducted retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli territory and U.S. military targets in the Middle East. Data shows over 300 U.S. soldiers have been injured and 13 killed.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1861157934340103/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author