Elite 82nd Airborne Division troops join 2,500 Marines already in region; potential missions include seizing Kharg Island, securing oil routes, and extracting uranium.
WASHINGTON — Thousands of soldiers from the US Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have begun arriving in the Middle East, two US officials told Reuters on Monday, as President Donald Trump considers next steps in the ongoing war against Iran.
The deployment adds to thousands of additional sailors, Marines, and Special Operations forces already sent to the region. Over the weekend, approximately 2,500 Marines arrived in the Middle East.
The paratroopers, based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, include elements of the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters, logistics and support personnel, and one brigade combat team. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not specify exactly where the soldiers are deploying.
Reuters first reported on March 18 that the Trump administration was considering deploying thousands of additional US troops to the Middle East — a move that would expand options to include potential operations inside Iranian territory.
No decision has been made to send troops into Iran, one source said, but the buildup will enhance capacity for potential future missions in the region.
Options on the table for Trump
The soldiers could be used for several purposes in the Iran war, including:
- Seizing Kharg Island – The hub for 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Such a move would be highly risky, as Iran can reach the island with missiles and drones. Reuters previously reported discussions within the Trump administration about an operation to take the island.
- Extracting highly enriched uranium – The administration has discussed using ground forces inside Iran to remove nuclear material, though that option could mean US troops deployed deeper inside Iran for potentially longer periods, digging out material located deep underground.
- Securing oil routes through the Strait of Hormuz – While this mission would be accomplished primarily through air and naval forces, it could also involve deploying US troops to Iran’s shoreline to ensure safe passage for oil tankers.
Trump said on Monday the United States was in talks with a “more reasonable regime” to end the war in Iran, but repeated his warning to Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz or risk US attacks on its oil wells and power plants.
Political risks and casualties
Any use of US ground troops — even for limited missions — could pose significant political risks for Trump, given low American public support for the Iran campaign and Trump’s own pre-election promises to avoid entangling the US in new Middle East conflicts.
Since operations began on February 28, the US has carried out strikes against more than 11,000 targets as part of Operation Epic Fury. More than 300 US troops have been injured, and 13 service members have been killed.
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