Trump weighs options to intensify actions against Iran, from air and naval buildup to possible ground troops

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

As noted, the deployments could help provide Trump with additional options as he weighs expanding US operations.

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 US troops to Iran’s shoreline, said four sources, including two US officials.

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 US ​officials said. One of the officials said such an operation would be very risky.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “There has been no decision to send ground troops at this time, but President Trump wisely keeps all options at his disposal.