U.S. troops deploy to Middle East amid reports of potential operations to seize Kharg Island
U.S. troops deploy to Middle East amid reports of potential operations near Strait of Hormuz MIDDLE EAST, March 25 — More than 3,000 troops from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division have arrived in the Middle East in recent days aboard C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft, according to information describing the deployment, as Washington accelerates its military posture amid rising regional tensions. The deployment, which reportedly involved 35 flights since March 12 with additional aircraft still in transit, is believed to be part of broader contingency planning that could include operations linked to Iran and critical maritime routes. Among the scenarios being discussed, sources suggest potential operations involving Iran’s strategic islands in the Strait of Hormuz , including Greater Tunb , Lesser Tunb , and Abu Musa —all of which sit along one of the world’s most important oil shipping lanes. Separately, six U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft reportedly arr...