US Considers Sending 3,000 Elite Airborne Troops to the Middle East
The United States is contemplating the swift deployment of the 82nd Airborne Brigade to the Middle East amid rising tensions surrounding Kharg Island and critical oil routes.
The United States is contemplating the deployment of approximately 3,000 elite troops from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate.
A report from The New York Times, referencing defense officials, indicates that senior Pentagon leaders are considering plans to deploy the division’s Immediate Response Force, a combat brigade that can mobilize paratroopers and equipment globally within 18 hours.
The troops are positioned to bolster the ongoing military campaign by the US and Israel against Iran, which is now in its fourth week. Officials indicated that the brigade could be assigned to operations related to Kharg Island, which serves as Iran’s primary oil export terminal, though a final decision has yet to be made.
Defense officials warned that neither the Pentagon nor US Central Command, responsible for military operations in the Middle East, has released deployment orders.
In response to the report, the Pentagon informed The Independent, “Due to operations security, we do not discuss future or hypothetical movements.”
On March 13, President Donald Trump stated that Central Command had “executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East and totally obliterated every military target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”
Trump subsequently stated on Truth Social that he had opted not to “wipe out” the island’s oil infrastructure “for reasons of decency.”
“However, if Iran, or any other party, takes actions that disrupt the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will promptly reevaluate this decision,” the president stated.
Iran has successfully shut down the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial waterway between Iran and Oman that carries about one fifth of the world’s oil supply, cautioning that it may target vessels trying to traverse the route.
The US president has urged allied nations to assist in securing the shipping lane, although initial appeals reportedly garnered limited support.
The conflict has prompted a significant response from global oil markets. Last week, Brent crude saw a brief increase, surpassing $119 per barrel, in contrast to approximately $70 prior to the commencement of US and Israeli strikes, as reported by the Associated Press.
Prices subsequently declined, with Brent dropping 11 percent to $99.94 per barrel on Monday following Trump’s announcement of a five-day halt on intended strikes against Iranian power plants and energy facilities.
Trump also stated on Truth Social that the United States and Iran engaged in “excellent and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East” over the weekend.
He noted that the delay of additional strikes was still “dependent on the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions” with Iranian officials.
