Trump considers deploying 10,000 troops to Middle East amid Iran war: Report

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid escalating tensions and failing talks to end the war with Iran, President Donald Trump is reportedly considering deploying additional troops in the Middle East. 

The war, which broke out after a joint military operation by the US and Israel in Iran on February 28, escalated after Tehran dismissed the 15-point peace plan sent by Trump on Wednesday.

As per a report by The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, Trump is contemplating sending around 10,000 more soldiers to the war-torn region. The development comes as 2,200 Marines from the 31st Expeditionary Unit are expected to dock in the Middle East by Friday. Additionally, over 2,500 Marines from the 11th Expeditionary Unit are on their way to the region.

Pentagon likely to send 10,000 more soldiers to Middle East

“The Pentagon is looking at sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East to give President Trump more military options even as he weighs peace talks with Tehran, Department of Defense officials with knowledge of the planning said,” the Journal reported.

The news builds on the speculation of Trump’s plan to invade Iran’s Kharg Island, popularly known as the energy lifeline of Iran. The energy infrastructure in the Kharg Island reportedly processes 90% of Iran’s crude oil, and an invasion of the same is likely to put Tehran on the back foot in the ongoing war.

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise amid Kharg Island threat

The reported potential invasion of Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf is to pressure Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow water transit, holding nearly 20% of the world’s energy shipment, was closed soon after the US and Israel launched a military attack on Iran on February 28. The closure resulted in a surge of oil and gas prices and led to uncertainty around the steady supply.

While Iran has officially announced to allow the passage of ships belonging to friendly nations like India, China, Pakistan, Iraq, and Russia, Europe battles the continuous uncertainty around intact energy supply.

Forces’ deployment destination unclear

As per the report, it is not clear where the force will be deployed in the Middle East, but soldiers are expected to be stationed “within striking distance of Iran and Kharg Island.”

Using the non-statutory name for the Department of Defense, Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told the Journal, “All announcements regarding troop deployments will come from the Department of War.”

Kelly reiterated that all military options are at the disposal of President Trump.