Khaberni - "Reuters" reported, citing sources, that the administration of US President Donald Trump is considering deploying thousands of American troops to bolster its operations in the Middle East.
The sources explained that this potential deployment could give Trump broader options to expand operations, particularly amid Washington's efforts to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The information indicated that the plans include securing the transit of oil tankers through the strait by air and naval forces, with the possibility of deploying limited forces on the Iranian coast. The administration also discussed the possibility of sending ground troops to Iran's Kharg Island, which is a major export hub accounting for about 90% of Iran's oil exports, a move seen as risky due to Iran's missile capabilities and drones that can target the area.
US forces had launched strikes on military targets on the island on March 13, while Trump hinted at the possibility of targeting its vital oil infrastructure. Military analysts believe that controlling the island could be more feasible than completely destroying it, given its economic importance to Iran.
Officials in the administration also explored the possibility of deploying American forces to secure Iran's stocks of highly enriched uranium, but sources confirmed that any ground operation is not imminent at this time due to its security and political challenges.
A White House official was quoted as saying that the president "wisely keeps all options open," emphasizing that the goal of the operation "Epic of Rage" is to destroy Iran's missile capabilities, eliminate the Iranian naval fleet, and prevent Tehran and its proxies from destabilizing the region or developing nuclear weapons.
