Elite Army forces join 2,500 Marines arriving over the weekend; Trump administration weighs potential ground missions including seizure of Kharg Island, uranium extraction, and securing the Strait of Hormuz.
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 weighs his next moves in the ongoing war against Iran.
The deployment significantly expands US military presence in the region and opens the door to potential ground operations inside Iranian territory — a option the Trump administration has been actively considering since mid-March, according to previous Reuters reporting.
The paratroopers, based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, include elements of the division headquarters, logistics and support units, and one brigade combat team. They join 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, officials said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials did not specify exactly where the soldiers are deploying. No decision has been made to send troops into Iran, one source emphasized, but the buildup will enhance capacity for potential future missions.
Three potential missions on the table
According to administration discussions reported by Reuters, the additional ground forces could be used for several high-stakes operations:
1. Seizing Kharg Island – The island serves as the hub for 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Any operation to take it would be highly risky, as Iran can reach the island with missiles and drones. Internal discussions about such a mission were first reported by Reuters earlier this month.
2. Extracting highly enriched uranium – The administration has discussed using ground forces inside Iran to remove nuclear material. This option would likely mean US troops deployed deeper inside Iran for extended periods, digging out uranium stored deep underground.
3. Securing the Strait of Hormuz – While primarily an air and naval mission, securing safe passage for oil tankers could also require deploying US troops to Iran’s shoreline.
Political risks and rising casualties
Any use of US ground troops — even for limited missions — carries significant political risks for Trump. Public support for the Iran campaign remains low among Americans, and Trump had previously promised voters to avoid entangling the US in new Middle East conflicts.
On Monday, Trump said the United States was in talks with a “more reasonable regime” to end the war in Iran. However, he repeated his warning to Tehran: open the Strait of Hormuz or risk US attacks on its oil wells and power plants.
Since operations began on February 28 under the name Operation Epic Fury, the US has carried out strikes against more than 11,000 targets. More than 300 US troops have been injured, and 13 service members have been killed.
