The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of about two thousand soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. Experts do not rule out that they may be used to seize the Iranian island of Khark.
The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of about two thousand soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army to the Middle East, the New York Times (NYT) and the Financial Times (FT) reported on Tuesday, March 24, citing sources. Combat units will be drawn from the immediate response forces - a brigade of about three thousand personnel capable of being deployed anywhere in the world within 18 hours.
The exact location in the Middle East where the paratroopers will be sent has not yet been specified, but it will be within striking distance of Iran. It is possible that they may be used to seize the Iranian island of Khark, one of the main oil export centers in the northern part of the Persian Gulf.
Increase in the Number of American Forces
Along with the Marines already heading to the region, the total number of additional U.S. ground forces in the Middle East will reach nearly seven thousand, according to NYT.
According to FT, taking into account other units - including 2,200 Marines from the amphibious ship USS Tripoli and 4,500 personnel in a group led by the USS Boxer - the total number could reach up to 10,000.
A total of about 50,000 military personnel from units in the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. are involved in Operation "Epic Fury."
Trump Announced Negotiations with Iran
NYT characterizes the deployment of paratroopers as a new escalation. Meanwhile, just the day before, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington is "currently negotiating" with Tehran, and Iran allegedly agreed to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Media reports, citing sources, also indicated that the U.S. had conveyed a plan to Iran for ending the war through intermediaries.
According to the Associated Press, the plan includes easing sanctions, cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, rolling back Iran's nuclear program, and restrictions on missile armament. However, Tehran emphasized that it has no intention of negotiating with the U.S.
Leave a comment