The Trump administration is considering sending thousands of troops to the Middle East, with potential missions including securing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s Kharg Island.
WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is actively considering deploying thousands of additional US troops to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran enters its third week. This potential reinforcement would provide President Donald Trump with expanded military options, according to a US official and three people familiar with the matter.
One key objective under discussion is securing safe passage for oil tankers through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. While this mission would primarily involve air and naval forces, it could also require deploying US troops to Iran’s shoreline, said four sources including two US officials.
Another high-risk option being debated is sending ground forces to seize Iran’s Kharg Island. This location serves as the hub for 90% of Iran’s oil exports, making it a critical economic and military target.
A US official cautioned that such an operation would be very risky due to Iran’s ability to target the island with missiles and drones. The US previously struck military targets on Kharg Island on March 13.
Controlling the island is viewed by some military experts as a preferable alternative to destroying its vital oil infrastructure. Any deployment of US ground troops, however, carries significant political risk for President Trump.
Such a move could anger parts of his political base, given his longstanding campaign promises to avoid new Middle East entanglements. Public support for the Iran campaign remains low.
Administration officials have also discussed the possibility of deploying forces to secure Iran’s stocks of highly enriched uranium. One source familiar with the matter confirmed these deliberations.
A White House official, speaking anonymously, stated “There has been no decision to send ground troops at this time, but President Trump wisely keeps all options at his disposal.” The official reiterated the goals of Operation Epic Fury.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the discussions. These planning conversations occur as US military operations continue against Iran’s navy, missile stockpiles, and defense industry.
US Central Command reports over 7,800 strikes since the war began on February 28. These attacks have damaged or destroyed more than 120 Iranian vessels.
The conflict has already resulted in 13 US troop fatalities and approximately 200 wounded personnel, though most injuries are described as minor. President Trump has recently refused to rule out putting “boots on the ground” in Iran.
This marks a shift from his previous rhetoric railing against foreign military engagements. The administration is also considering how to address Iran’s nuclear program.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told lawmakers that Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was “obliterated” by strikes in June. She said the entrances to those facilities had been “buried and shuttered with cement.”
The potential troop reinforcements would exceed the scheduled arrival of an Amphibious Ready Group with over 2,000 Marines next week. One source noted the US military is losing significant capability with the USS Gerald R Ford carrier heading to Greece for repairs.
President Trump has sent mixed signals regarding the Strait of Hormuz. After initially offering US Navy escorts, he called for allied help before recently musing about withdrawing US responsibility for the waterway entirely.
The Sun Malaysia
