Troops or truce? Is the Iran–US conflict taking a new turn? Here’s what we know so far

As Operation Epic Fury enters day 27, the United States has struck over 10,000 targets inside Iran to degrade its offensive and defensive capabilities, according to reports, marking a potential turning point in the conflict as military escalation coincides with stalled diplomatic efforts.

The widening campaign has seen expanded troop deployments and naval positioning across the Middle East, signalling a sustained push even as diplomatic options remain under consideration.

US troop buildup intensifies

The Pentagon has deployed nearly 7,000 additional US ground troops to the region since the start of the conflict, according to defence officials.


This includes Marine units and elements of the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, which has been placed on standby for rapid deployment. In total, around 50,000 US personnel are now linked to the broader operation across the Middle East, Europe and the United States.

Also Read: Nearly 7,000 additional US troops moving toward Middle East as military buildup intensifies

Diplomatic track still open

Even as military activity expands, US President Donald Trump is considering a renewed diplomatic initiative with Iran.

“They want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us,” Trump said at a Republican fundraising event.

Publicly, no Iranian official has confirmed any negotiations, but the language used remains ambiguous.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said messages were "being exchanged through friendly countries or through certain different individuals" but insisted that "this is neither called dialogue nor negotiation," according to AFP.

He added that "if it is necessary for a position to be taken, it will certainly be decided."

Pakistani and Egyptian officials have confirmed they are serving as diplomatic backchannels.

The official added that a path forward may still be possible if diplomatic efforts continue, but noted that any immediate talks between Washington and Tehran do not appear “realistic at this stage.”

US casualties and injuries

Around 290 US service members have been injured so far during the operation, according to US Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins. The majority of these injuries have been described as minor, with more than 255 personnel already returning to duty.

The conflict has also resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members. Six were killed in an Iranian drone attack in Kuwait on March 1, while another died from injuries sustained in a separate attack in Saudi Arabia the same day.

On March 12, six additional service members were killed when a KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a combat mission linked to the operation.

Airstrikes mark opening phase

The operation began with US airstrikes targeting Iranian-linked military infrastructure across multiple locations. US officials say more than 90 targets have been struck in recent weeks, aimed at degrading operational capabilities and establishing deterrence.

A key focus has been Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf, where repeated strikes have reportedly damaged infrastructure.

Several senior Iranian regime figures have been killed in the ongoing operation, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and security chief Ali Larijani, marking a significant blow to Iran’s leadership structure. There is, however, no clear official confirmation regarding the reported death of Ali Shamkhani.

US assets losses and war cost

Separate reports suggest the US may have lost military assets worth up to $5 billion since the start of the operation. This reportedly includes three F-15 fighter jets lost to friendly fire in Kuwait and a radar system valued at around $2 billion in Qatar. These claims have not been independently verified or confirmed by the Pentagon.

Reports also indicate that the US has spent at least $11.3 billion on the conflict so far, excluding pre-conflict military build-up costs. Nearly $5 billion is estimated to have been spent within the initial days of the operation, largely due to the use of high-precision guided munitions, significantly raising operational expenses.

The losses also include a KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq during a combat mission on March 12.

Also Read: Israel Iran War: From $2-billion B2 bomber to kamikaze drone, here's the list of weapons used by US to hit Iran

Strait of Hormuz emerges as key flashpoint

Tensions have sharply escalated around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.

Iran has effectively restricted most commercial shipping through the strait, prompting increased US naval deployments and contingency planning. Military planners are assessing options to secure the waterway, including potential amphibious operations.

Also Read: Why US Navy, the world's most powerful, can't secure a narrow 21-mile gap of Strait of Hormuz: A video explains

Marine deployments and forward positioning

US Marine deployments have formed a central part of the buildup:

• Around 4,500 Marines have already been deployed
• Approximately 2,300 Marines from the 31st Expeditionary Unit are arriving this week
• Another Marine unit from the 11th Expeditionary Unit is expected by mid-April

These units could be used for securing strategic assets or establishing forward operating positions in early-stage operations.

Logistics and airfield strategy

US strikes have also targeted infrastructure, including airfields in strategic locations such as Kharg Island.

Military planners are focusing on repairing damaged runways to allow transport aircraft like C-130s to bring in additional troops and equipment, a key step for sustaining longer-term operations.

Airborne troops signal potential next phase

In the latest move, about 2,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division have been ordered to deploy to the region. These forces are designed for rapid insertion but lack heavy armoured support, which could limit their role in high-intensity combat scenarios.

They are expected to reinforce Marine units or secure critical positions if required.

Pakistan to become mediator?

Pakistan is emerging as a potential mediator in the conflict, maintaining open lines of communication with both Washington and Tehran, according to an NYT report.

Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir is seen as a key interlocutor and is believed to have close ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, positioning him to pass messages between the two sides.

Munir also shares strong ties with the White House and met Donald Trump twice in 2025, with Trump reportedly describing him as his “favorite field marshal,” the report said.

Officials indicate that while military pressure is being increased, diplomatic engagement remains a parallel track, leaving the situation highly dynamic as the conflict enters its fourth week.