WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. military is set to deploy at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East shortly, according to sources familiar with the plans. This division, known as the Army’s emergency response force, is capable of rapid deployment in emergency situations.
The deployment will include a battalion from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, along with Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier, the division’s commander, and additional division staff members. The information comes from three individuals who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive military strategies and private conversations.
This troop movement marks the latest effort by American forces in relation to the ongoing conflict in Iran. U.S. officials have recently indicated that thousands of Marines aboard Navy ships are also being directed to the region to bolster military capabilities.
The Marines are trained for a variety of missions that include supporting U.S. embassies, evacuating civilians, and providing disaster relief. In contrast, the soldiers of the 82nd Airborne, based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, specialize in parachuting into hostile or contested territories, securing crucial locations and airfields.
Regarding the troop deployment, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly directed inquiries to the Pentagon while stating, “President Trump always has all military options at his disposal.” Additionally, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee are slated to receive a classified briefing from Pentagon officials on Capitol Hill, where discussions on the potential deployment are anticipated.
The New York Times previously reported on the possible deployment of the 82nd Airborne forces to the Middle East. U.S. officials had also confirmed that the USS Tripoli, stationed in Japan, alongside the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, has been ordered to the Middle East, redirecting them from exercises near Taiwan. Furthermore, the Navy has expedited the deployment of additional ships carrying a rapid-response Marine force from San Diego to the Middle East.
These deployments are set to introduce approximately 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region, which already hosts about 50,000 U.S. troops. The troop additions come as the Trump administration reports initiating negotiations with Iran to potentially end the conflict. Pakistan has offered to facilitate diplomatic discussions; however, Iran has denied that any negotiations are underway.
During a press briefing at the White House, President Trump confirmed that the U.S. is currently engaged in negotiations, with his envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance taking part in the discussions. “We have a number of people involved,” Trump stated. “And the other side, I can tell you, they’d like to make a deal.”
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that he has been in conversations about the conflict this week with various counterparts. However, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, denied Trump’s assertions of direct talks, and an Iranian military spokesperson issued a defiant statement, insisting that the nation will continue to fight "until complete victory."
