Washington, March 19, 2026 – The Europe Today: The administration of President Donald Trump is weighing the deployment of thousands of additional troops to the Middle East as the United States prepares for potential next steps in its ongoing conflict with Iran, according to US officials and sources familiar with the matter.
The proposed deployments aim to broaden Washington’s military options as the conflict enters its third week. However, such a move could also deepen US involvement in a foreign war—an outcome President Trump had previously pledged to avoid.
Among the options under consideration is ensuring the safe passage of oil tankers through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor. The mission would largely depend on air and naval capabilities but may also involve positioning US troops along Iran’s coastline, sources indicated.
Officials have also discussed the possibility of deploying ground forces to Iran’s Kharg Island, which accounts for approximately 90 percent of the country’s oil exports. However, one US official described the plan as highly risky, citing Iran’s capacity to target the island with missiles and drones.
Kharg Island was recently targeted in US strikes, though Iranian authorities reported that oil exports continued uninterrupted and no casualties were recorded.
In recent statements, President Trump warned of further potential strikes on the island and urged allied nations to contribute naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran has signaled that it may intensify its response, raising concerns over further escalation in the region.
