On March 30 (US time), thousands of soldiers of the elite 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army began to be deployed to the Middle East, as President Donald Trump considers further steps in the conflict with Iran.
These soldiers departed from Fort Bragg base, North Carolina, adding to the force including Marines, navy and special forces that Washington had deployed to the area. Previously, about 2,500 US Marines arrived in the Middle East on the weekend.
The newly deployed force includes the command of the 82nd Airborne Division, logistics units and a combat brigade. US officials did not disclose specific locations, but said this move is aimed at strengthening capabilities for potential operations.
There is currently no decision to send US infantry into Iranian territory, but the deployment is seen as aimed at expanding military options. One of the options being discussed is controlling Kharg Island, which processes about 90% of Iran's oil exports. However, this is a high-risk target because Iran can attack with missiles and drones.
Other options considered include deploying forces to seize high-enriched uranium or ensuring a safe corridor for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. These missions may require the presence of US troops on Iranian territory or coast.
Mr. Trump said the US is in talks with a "more reasonable administration" in Tehran to end the conflict, while warning Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if it does not want to face attacks targeting oil facilities and power plants.
Since the operation began, the US has conducted more than 11,000 attacks. More than 300 US soldiers were injured and 13 people died in this operation.
The use of ground forces, although in a limited scale, is assessed as potentially politically risky for Mr. Trump, in the context that US public opinion does not support the expansion of war in the Middle East.
