Trump considers deploying thousands more US troops to 'reinforce' operations in the Middle East

Trump is actively considering deploying thousands of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East to reinforce ongoing operations against Iran.

This would build on the already approved deployment of more than 5,000 Marines and sailors aboard amphibious assault ships arriving next week with a Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The potential surge comes as the war enters its third week and U.S. Central Command has conducted over 7,800 strikes since February 28, damaging or destroying more than 120 Iranian vessels.

Senior administration officials and sources familiar with military planning said the extra ground forces would broaden Trump’s options.

These include securing safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz — potentially requiring troops on Iran’s shoreline — and seizing control of Kharg Island, which handles 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports.

One U.S. official described a Kharg operation as “very risky” due to Iran’s missile and drone reach.

Trump has threatened to strike the island’s critical infrastructure but experts say controlling it would be preferable to destruction given its economic importance.

The administration has also discussed deploying forces to secure Iran’s stocks of highly enriched uranium, though no decision has been made.

A White House official stated: “There has been no decision to send ground troops at this time, but President Trump wisely keeps all options at his disposal.”

The president’s goals for Operation Epic Fury include destroying Iran’s ballistic missile capacity, annihilating its navy, neutralizing terrorist proxies and ensuring Iran never possesses a nuclear weapon.

Any ground deployment carries significant political risk for Trump given low public support for the campaign and his past promises to avoid new Middle East entanglements.

Thirteen U.S. troops have already been killed and about 200 wounded in the conflict.