US deploys around 3,000 paratroopers to Middle East - Reuters
US paratroopers arrive in large numbers in Middle East (photo: Getty Images)
Thousands of troops from the elite US Army 82nd Airborne Division have begun redeploying to the Middle East, Reuters reports.
According to the outlet's sources, the deployed forces include the division command headquarters, support units, and a brigade combat team. Earlier, thousands of sailors and marines had already been sent to the region.
According to sources from Al Jazeera, the arrival of paratroopers will continue over the course of a week, and the total size of the contingent will be about 3,000 division troops.
Reuters sources note that a decision on deploying troops to Iran has not yet been made.
Among the possible scenarios under consideration are establishing control over Kharg Island, through which most of Iran's oil exports pass, as well as ensuring the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, according to The Wall Street Journal, United States President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of ending the operation against Iran while keeping the strait closed to maritime traffic.
End of the war in the Middle East
Earlier, Trump said that indirect talks between the United States and Iran were going well, adding that a deal could be reached very quickly.
But later, he said that if Iran does not agree to a deal and does not immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will blow up and destroy all power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island. This time, he also allowed for the possibility that there would be no deal.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt also said that the United States intends to adhere to the previously announced timeline of the operation — four to six weeks, 30 days of which have already passed.
