Talks of Peace with Iran but Plans to Add Troops, What Does Trump Want?
The United States is expected to send thousands of additional troops to the Middle East. This situation adds to the military escalation in the region amid ongoing intensifying conflicts with Iran.
Citing Reuters, two sources familiar with the plans stated that the Pentagon is preparing the deployment of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, an elite US Army unit. This move comes even as President Donald Trump previously opened the possibility of reaching an agreement with Tehran to end the war.
One source mentioned that the number of troops to be sent ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 personnel. However, there is no certainty regarding the deployment locations or the arrival time of the troops in the Middle East region.
“As we have said, President Trump always has all military options available to him,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, quoted on Wednesday (25/3/2026).
Nevertheless, the sources emphasised that no decision has been made to deploy troops directly to Iranian territory. This deployment is said to be more aimed at strengthening US military operational capacity in the region if needed in the future.
Previously, Reuters also reported that the US has sent thousands of Marines and sailors via the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer along with a Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East. Before this additional troop deployment, around 50,000 US military personnel were already in the region.
Since the US and Israeli military operations against Iran began on 28 February, approximately 9,000 targets have been struck in Iranian territory. A US official stated that 13 US soldiers have been killed and 290 others injured. Of that number, 255 personnel have returned to duty, while 10 others remain in serious condition.
On the other hand, the US government is also considering several further options, including securing the Strait of Hormuz to the possibility of deploying troops to Kharg Island, which serves as the hub for around 90% of Iran’s oil exports.
However, the potential use of US ground forces is considered politically risky for Trump. This is in line with the low public support for the conflict. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll shows only 35% of US citizens support attacks on Iran, down from 37% the previous week. Meanwhile, 61% of respondents stated they disagree with the military action.
The latest US stance comes amid a conflict that has lasted nearly four weeks and has also shaken global markets. Although Trump once mentioned “productive” talks with Iran and delayed threats of attacks on the country’s power facilities, Tehran denied any such dialogue.
Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday (24/3/2026), Trump stated that he decided to back away from his previous threat to order attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure due to ongoing diplomatic processes. He said the step was taken “based on the fact that we are negotiating.”
“They are talking to us, and their talks make sense,” Trump said when asked to explain his change in stance.