WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is considering plans to send up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, a move that would give President Donald Trump more military options as his administration pursues peace talks with Iran.
Defense Department officials familiar with the planning confirmed the potential deployment to The Wall Street Journal on Thursday. The force would likely include infantry and armored vehicles .
If approved, the deployment would add to a growing U.S. military presence in the region. Thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division have already received orders to deploy, and about 5,000 Marines are moving into the area aboard Navy ships .
The White House declined to confirm specific troop movements but said military options remain available.
“All announcements regarding troop deployments will come from the Department of War. As we have said, President Trump always has all military options at his disposal,” said Anna Kelly, deputy White House press secretary .
A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East, declined to comment on the plans .
The military planning comes as Trump has emphasized a preference for diplomacy. On Thursday, the president said he would pause U.S. strikes on Iran’s energy sector for 10 days, extending a previous deadline to April 6. Trump said the extension came at Iran’s request and that talks between the two sides are “going very well” .
Officials in Pakistan said the United States and Iran are communicating indirectly through messages relayed by Islamabad . Iran has publicly rejected a 15-point peace proposal from Washington but is privately considering meeting with U.S. negotiators in Pakistan in the coming days, according to The New York Times .
The potential troop deployment reflects a dual-track strategy in which Washington is increasing military pressure while leaving room for a negotiated settlement. Military analysts say ground forces such as the 82nd Airborne Division would likely be used only if the U.S. determines that airstrikes, naval power or diplomacy cannot achieve its objectives .
Experts have pointed to Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iran’s oil exports, as a possible target if ground operations are ordered. Any mission to seize and hold the island would require substantial forces and carry significant risks .
The conflict began Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Since then, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil chokepoint, and attacked shipping in the waterway .
Iran’s Health Ministry says the death toll in the country has surpassed 1,500. Israeli officials say 16 people have been killed in Israel. At least 13 U.S. service members have also died, authorities said .
On Capitol Hill, some lawmakers have expressed concern about the prospect of a deeper U.S. military commitment. The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the conflict when lawmakers return from recess in mid-April .