Reinforcements and thousands of troops: the United States considers expanding its military deployment against Iran.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is examining the possibility of deploying thousands of American troops to the Middle East, amid potential new escalations in the war against Iran, as the conflict enters its third week.
According to a U.S. official and informed sources cited by Reuters, this move aims to broaden the range of military options available to the administration as operations against Tehran continue.
Multiple options on the table
The proposed plans include securing the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a mission expected to rely primarily on air and naval forces, with the possibility of deploying additional troops to reinforce these operations.
Washington is also considering more escalatory scenarios, including deploying forces along Iran’s coastline or sending ground troops to Kharg Island, which serves as a key hub for Iranian oil exports.
Estimates indicate that Kharg Island, through which approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports pass, could become a central target in any future escalation.
However, while gaining control of the island may represent an effective strategic option, U.S. sources have warned that such an operation would entail significant risks, given Iran’s ability to target the island with missiles and drones.
Ground engagement
Although the option of deploying ground forces has been considered, informed sources have confirmed that this scenario is not imminent, due to its military complexities and political risks, particularly in light of declining public support within the United States for any prolonged war.
The option of securing Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium is also under review, a mission described as extremely complex even for U.S. elite forces.
These discussions come as U.S. forces have sustained casualties, with 13 soldiers killed and around 200 others wounded since the beginning of operations.
Meanwhile, the United States has carried out more than 7,800 strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including the destruction or damage of more than 120 naval assets.
Broader strategic objectives
Through these operations, Washington aims to achieve several objectives, most notably the destruction of Iran’s missile capabilities, the weakening of its naval fleet, the prevention of nuclear weapons development, and the safeguarding of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
A White House official confirmed that the administration “has not yet made a decision” regarding the deployment of ground forces, while keeping all options on the table.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump’s position appeared to fluctuate, shifting from proposing the escort of U.S. vessels to calling on other countries to contribute to securing the passage, before suggesting the possibility of leaving this responsibility to the states that benefit from it.
