Trump plans to consider increasing troops in the Middle East while evaluating ground action options

According to a report by Reuters, a U.S. official and three informed sources stated that the Trump administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to strengthen its military operations in the Middle East. These deployments could provide Trump with more options as he weighs expanding operations.

Sources indicated that ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz could mean deploying U.S. ground forces along the Iranian coast. The Trump administration has also discussed the possibility of deploying ground troops to Iran's Qeshm Island and sending U.S. forces to ensure the safety of Iran's highly enriched uranium reserves.

A White House official stated, "No decision has been made yet to send ground troops. The president is focused on achieving all the established goals of Operation 'Epic Fury'." Sources noted that discussions about increasing troop levels are not limited to an amphibious readiness group and its attached Marine Expeditionary Unit (about 2,000 Marines) that will arrive in the Middle East next week. However, one source pointed out that due to the fire on the USS Ford, which has been sent to Greece for repairs, the U.S. military will lose some troop strength.