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

As the Middle East conflict enters day 27, the Pentagon has ordered around 2,000 soldiers from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to begin moving to the region, offering President Donald Trump additional military options as he weighs a potential diplomatic initiative with Iran, according to defence officials, a TOI report said.

The troops are part of the division’s “Immediate Response Force,” a rapid deployment brigade capable of mobilising globally within 18 hours. The contingent includes Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier, along with staff and two battalions of roughly 800 soldiers each, officials said, according to the TOI report.

The deployment comes as the US expands its military footprint, with nearly 7,000 additional ground troops sent to the region since the conflict began. Around 50,000 personnel are currently assigned to the broader operation, Operation Epic Fury, spanning the Middle East, Europe and the United States.

Additional US troop numbers in detail

• 2,000 soldiers from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division
• 4,500 Marines already heading to the Middle East
• 2,300 Marines from the 31st Expeditionary Unit arriving this week
• Additional Marine contingent from the 11th Expeditionary Unit en route, expected by mid-April

Officials said the exact destination of the airborne troops remains unclear, though they are expected to be positioned within striking distance of Iran. One possible target area is Kharg Island, where US forces have carried out strikes on more than 90 targets this month, the TOI report added.

Meanwhile, additional Marine units are being deployed, with commanders considering missions ranging from securing the Strait of Hormuz to supporting operations near Kharg Island.

Military planners believe Marines could play a key role in early operations, including repairing the damaged airfield on Kharg Island after recent strikes, the TOI report said. Once operational, the airstrip could enable the US Air Force to fly in more troops and equipment using C-130 aircraft.

Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division could later reinforce Marine units. However, officials noted that while these forces can deploy rapidly, they lack heavy equipment such as armoured vehicles, which may be critical in the event of an Iranian counterattack, according to the TOI report.