Trump considers sending another 10,000 ground troops to the Middle East

The Pentagon plans to send up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East to provide President Trump with more military options while he considers peace talks with Iran. Trump has postponed strikes on Iran’s energy sector until April 6 for negotiations. He claimed this extension was at Iran's request, though mediators noted Iran did not ask for it.

Iran permitted several Pakistan-flagged tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, seen as a negotiation gesture. The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a public hearing on the administration's actions regarding Iran after mid-April.

The force, which is likely to include infantry and armored vehicles, will join about 5,000 Marines and thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division who have been ordered to deploy to the area. It is not yet clear where exactly these forces will be deployed in the Middle East, but they are likely to be deployed within range capable of striking Iran and its island of Kharg.