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Monday, March 30, 2026
Thousands of US Army paratroopers arrive in Middle East as buildup intensifies
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Thousands of soldiers from the US Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have started arriving in the Middle East, two US officials tell Reuters, as US President Donald Trump weighs his next steps in the war against Iran.
Reuters first reported on March 18 that Trump’s administration was considering deploying thousands of additional US troops to the Middle East, a move that would expand options to include the deployment of forces inside Iranian territory.
The paratroopers, based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, add to the thousands of additional sailors, Marines and Special Operations forces sent to the region. Over the weekend, about 2,500 Marines arrived in the Middle East.
The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, do not say specifically where the soldiers are deploying to, but the move is expected.
The additional Army soldiers include elements of the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters, some logistics and other support, and one brigade combat team.
No decision has been made to send troops into Iran, but they will build up capacity for potential future operations in the region, one of the sources says.
The soldiers could be used for several purposes in the Iran war, including an attempt to seize Kharg Island, the hub for 90% of Iran’s oil exports.
The Times of Israel Community.