The Trump administration is reportedly considering the deployment of thousands of additional US troops to the Middle East, as the conflict with Iran enters its third week. The proposed reinforcements would provide President Trump with further options for expanding operations, including securing the Strait of Hormuz for oil tanker passage, a mission primarily envisioned for air and naval forces, according to sources familiar with the matter.
However, securing the Strait could necessitate deploying US troops directly to Iran's shoreline, four sources, including two US officials, indicated. The administration has also discussed options to send ground forces to Iran's Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iran's oil exports. One official described such an operation as very risky, given Iran's ability to reach the island with missiles and drones.
The United States carried out strikes against military targets on Kharg Island on March 13, and Trump has threatened to strike its critical oil infrastructure. Military experts suggest that controlling the island, rather than destroying it, would be a better option given its vital role in Iran's economy. Any use of US ground troops, even for a limited mission, could pose significant political risks for Trump, given low public support for the Iran campaign and his previous promises to avoid new Middle East conflicts.
Administration officials have also discussed the possibility of deploying forces to secure Iran's stocks of highly enriched uranium. Experts say this task would be highly complex and risky, even for special operations forces. A White House official stated that no decision has been made to send ground troops, but President Trump keeps all options at his disposal.
The discussions come as the US military continues to attack Iran's navy, missile and drone stockpiles, and defence industry. Since launching the war on February 28, the US has carried out more than 7,800 strikes and damaged or destroyed over 120 Iranian vessels, according to US Central Command. Thirteen US troops have been killed and about 200 wounded so far.
