U.S. weighs military reinforcements as Iran war enters possible new phase

U.S. considers troop deployments as Iran war escalates, evaluating options to secure oil passage and strengthen military operations.

President Donald Trump’s administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its ​operation in West Asia, as the U.S. military prepares for possible next steps in its campaign against Iran, said a U.S. official and three people familiar with the ‌matter.

The deployments could help provide Mr. Trump with additional options as he weighs expanding U.S. operations, with the Iran war well ​into its third week.

Iran-Israel war updates on March 18, 2026

Those options include securing safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a mission that would ⁠be accomplished primarily through air and naval forces, the sources said. But securing the Strait could also mean deploying U.S. troops to Iran’s shoreline, said four sources, including two U.S. officials.

Reuters granted the sources anonymity to speak about military planning.

The Trump administration has also discussed options to send ground forces to Iran’s Kharg Island, the hub for 90% ‌of Iran’s oil exports, the three people familiar with the matter and three U.S. officials said. One of the officials said such an operation would be very risky. Iran has the ability to reach the island with missiles and drones.