March 31, 2026 | 08:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East as the conflict with Iran continues to escalate. Hundreds of special forces personnel, including Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, have been deployed to the region alongside thousands of Marines and Army airborne troops.
According to CBS News, U.S. officials announced on Saturday that over 3,500 personnel have arrived in the Middle East, including those aboard the USS Tripoli, which carries approximately 2,500 Marines. An additional Marine Expeditionary Unit is also reportedly en route to the area, while elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, totaling fewer than 1,500 personnel, are currently being prepared for deployment.
Military Operation Options Against Iran
The deployment of these troops provides President Donald Trump with a range of military options against Tehran. These maneuvers include potential operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, seize oil from Kharg Island, and confiscate Iran's enriched uranium reserves.
As reported by the Middle East Monitor, citing two US military officials, hundreds of special forces personnel have arrived in the Middle East as part of Washington's push to increase its military capability. While these forces do not yet have a specific mission, they may be stationed at various strategic points. The Strait of Hormuz and the Isfahan nuclear facilities are noted as potential targets, while Kharg Island—Iran's primary oil export hub—is also on the list of possible operational objectives.
Surge in US Military Strength
The total US military presence in the region now exceeds 50,000 personnel, an increase of about 10,000 from previous levels. This surge includes approximately 5,000 newly stationed Marines and sailors intended to expand combat options.
The Pentagon has also directed around 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to be positioned within striking distance of Iran. Although the exact location of these forces remains undisclosed, officials mentioned they could support ground operations alongside the Marines.
Amid this military escalation, President Donald Trump stated that his administration continues to pursue negotiations with Tehran. In a statement on Truth Social on Monday morning, he expressed optimism that an agreement to end the five-week-old war could soon be reached.
However, Iranian officials have repeatedly asserted that no direct talks are currently taking place. They have also rejected the White House's 15-point ceasefire proposal, labeling it "excessive and unreasonable."
In the same statement, Trump warned that if an agreement "is not shortly reached" and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the United States would attack all of Iran's "Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet 'touched.'"
The conflict with Iran has persisted since the joint U.S. and Israeli attack on February 28. Airstrikes have reportedly killed more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has further destabilized the global situation, as the disruption of approximately 20 million barrels of oil per day continues to pressure the world energy market.
Read: Iran Says 'High Time' for Saudi Arabia to Oust US Forces From Its Territory
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