The Pentagon has ordered elements of the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division to deploy to the Middle East, significantly expanding US forces in the region as President Donald Trump weighs both diplomatic and military options toward Iran.
According to US officials, The New York Times (NYT) and Financial Times (FT), around 2,000-3,000 troops from the division’s Immediate Response Force – capable of deploying globally within 18 hours – have been directed to move.
The deployment includes senior command staff and at least two infantry battalions, with the possibility of additional troops being sent in the coming days.
As per the FT, the dispatch of elite paratroopers along with two Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), will add roughly 10,000 troops to the 50,000 already stationed in the region.
The USS Tripoli, carrying about 2,200 members of the 31st MEU, is expected to arrive in the Middle East by the end of the week.
Meanwhile, the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, with an additional 4,500 troops – including 2,200 Marines from the 11th MEU – is expected to arrive in three to four weeks, FT’s report adds.
The move marks a significant escalation and brings US forces closer to readiness for a potential ground operation. Analysts cited by the FT noted that the presence of both airborne troops and Marine Expeditionary Units suggests preparations for scenarios beyond airstrikes.
The deployment of the 82nd Airborne and the MEUs, which are trained to seize and hold territory, significantly enhances the US military’s readiness for a potential ground operation.
While the exact destination of the 82nd Airborne has not been disclosed, officials told NYT the troops would be positioned within striking distance of Iran.
One potential objective under consideration is Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, which has already been targeted in recent US strikes.
However, current and former officials noted that airborne forces alone lack heavy equipment and would likely operate alongside Marines, who can secure and repair key infrastructure such as airfields.
US Central Command said American forces have already struck more than 9,000 targets in Iran since the conflict began, while Tehran has retaliated with attacks across the region, including on energy infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz – a critical global oil route – has been largely disrupted.
Separately, Axios journalist Barak Ravid addressed on X that the deployment includes the command element of the 82nd Airborne and an infantry brigade, calling it another “significant reinforcement” ahead of a possible ground operation.
The US has been fast-tracking the deployment of amphibious ships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East as its military operation against Iran continues, sources told NBC and Newsmax last week.
Pentagon officials reportedly ordered at least 2,200 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to depart San Diego ahead of schedule, with the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer leading the deployment. Additional ships carrying F-35 fighters, missiles, and landing equipment are also en route.
The reinforced flotilla was expected to sail through the Indo-Pacific toward the Middle East, where it was expected join other US naval assets. The total force could reach about 8,000 troops, including up to 5,000 Marines.
Reuters sources say the White House is weighing further ground options, including a landing near the Strait of Hormuz, deployment to Kharg Island, or seizing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
The operation, named Epic Fury, began on Feb. 28 alongside Israel, with Trump saying its goal is to protect Americans and allies. White House sources told Axios that while officials expected a quick victory, CENTCOM is now preparing for a longer campaign, potentially lasting 100 days or more, Politico reports.