U.S. officials reported that President Donald Trump’s administration is considering the deployment of thousands of additional troops to the Middle East in preparation for the next phase of operations against Iran, including the possibility of a limited ground intervention, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth stated that the troop reinforcement would broaden the military options available to President Trump, including escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a mission expected to rely primarily on naval and air forces, with the potential deployment of troops along the Iranian coast.
The newspaper added that the reinforcement aims to provide the White House with a wider range of military options, including securing maritime navigation and safeguarding tanker movements, as well as supporting regional naval and air operations. U.S. officials are also reportedly considering deploying ground forces to Kharg Island, the main artery for Iranian oil exports, which experts say would give Washington a stronger economic leverage than simply destroying infrastructure.
A U.S. official told Reuters that such a deployment would be highly risky, given Iran’s ability to target the island with missiles and drones. Discussions have also included the possibility of deploying forces inside Iran to secure enriched uranium stockpiles, although sources emphasized that this step is not imminent and operational details have not been disclosed.
A White House official stated that no final decision has been made regarding ground forces, but the President is keeping all options on the table to achieve the objectives of “Operation Epic Fury”, which include destroying Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, curbing its naval power, cutting supplies to regional proxies, and ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.
