WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is considering the deployment of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran continues and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz persist.
The Pentagon has already ordered thousands of soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to prepare for movement to the region, with reports indicating between 1,000 and 4,000 paratroopers could deploy in the coming days. This would add to roughly 5,000 Marines from two Marine Expeditionary Units already en route aboard amphibious ships, including the USS Boxer and USS Tripoli.
Prior to the latest buildup, the U.S. had approximately 50,000 troops in the Middle East. The additional forces would bring the total number of recently deployed ground troops since the conflict began to several thousand. The moves follow a series of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that started in late February and Iran’s subsequent decision to restrict commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The strait, which normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil, has seen maritime activity drop sharply since early March. Iran has allowed only limited approved transits while issuing warnings and conducting attacks on vessels attempting passage. The disruption has contributed to higher global oil prices and affected energy markets.
Trump has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the strait to April 6, citing backchannel discussions. He has warned of potential further U.S. action against Iranian energy infrastructure if the waterway remains closed. The administration has described the troop movements as providing commanders with additional options to protect freedom of navigation and support diplomatic efforts.
The deployments come as Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on targets in Tehran and other parts of Iran on Friday. Iranian authorities reported explosions and damage in the capital, while Israel said the operation targeted missile production and air defense sites.
As of Friday, Pentagon officials had not released a final decision on the exact number or timeline for the additional Army deployments. U.S. Central Command continued to monitor the situation in the Persian Gulf, where naval assets, including aircraft carriers, remain positioned in support of operations in the region. Diplomatic contacts through intermediaries were reported to be ongoing.
