Pentagon Deploys Nearly 7,000 Marines and 82nd Airborne to Middle East, Prepares Ground Operation Options Against Iran

The Pentagon confirmed the deployment of nearly 7,000 additional U.S. military personnel to the Middle East in the weeks surrounding the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, representing the largest American ground force buildup in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq and signaling active preparation for potential ground operations against Iran.

The deployment consists of three formations. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit — approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship — departed Sasebo, Japan on March 13 and arrived in CENTCOM on March 27. The unit carries F-35B Lightning II jets, amphibious assault vehicles, attack helicopters, and a reinforced infantry battalion with artillery. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, approximately 2,200 Marines aboard USS Boxer, departed San Diego on March 18 and is en route. Together the two MEUs provide 4,500 Marines and sailors capable of sea-to-land assault operations.

The Pentagon separately ordered approximately 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division's Immediate Response Force at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to begin movement to the Middle East. The 82nd IRF deploys anywhere globally within 18 hours and serves as the Army's primary forced-entry unit, trained for parachute assaults, airfield seizure, and securing terrain for follow-on forces.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed CENTCOM requested the reinforcements to "expand operational options," stating: "Our adversary right now thinks there are 15 different ways we could come at them with boots on the ground. And guess what? There are." Secretary of State Rubio told Congress that U.S. forces may need to physically enter Iran to secure nuclear material: "People are going to have to go and get it."

Pentagon planning discussions have included the possible seizure of Kharg Island — Iran's primary oil export hub processing approximately 90 percent of its crude — and raids on coastal positions near the Strait of Hormuz. The administration is also reportedly considering deploying up to 10,000 additional infantry soldiers. No ground operation has been formally authorized, but the force posture has been assembled to enable one with minimal additional lead time. Iran's Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf warned that Iranian forces were "waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground."