The United States is sending additional troops, medical personnel, and military equipment to the Middle East as President Donald Trump considers expanding
military operations against Iran, according to people familiar with the matter. The latest deployments include special operations forces, fighter aircraft, and bomber units, while additional medical teams have also been positioned in Europe as Washington increases its military readiness amid the ongoing conflict.
US Expands Military Footprint Across the Region
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, special operations forces have deployed from US bases to the Middle East over the past week. Fighter jet squadrons have also been positioned across the region, while bomber aircraft based in the United States and the United Kingdom have been placed on high alert for potential operations.
More than 150 medics have also arrived at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, the primary treatment facility for US troops wounded in combat operations in the Middle East.
The military build-up comes after three American service members were killed in an Iranian attack in Jordan over the weekend, while a fourth died in Iraq during the controlled detonation of an Iranian drone.
US Central Command said Wednesday it had carried out a 12th consecutive day of strikes against targets in Iran, saying the campaign is intended to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in regional waters.
Retired Gen. Joseph Votel, the former commander of US Central Command and US Special Operations Command, said the additional deployments do not necessarily indicate that a major escalation is imminent, but instead provide the president and defense officials with greater military flexibility.
The White House said President Trump "always has all options at his disposal," while the Pentagon declined to discuss operational details.
The additional forces could also strengthen US operations against Yemen's Houthi militants, who have threatened to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that a tanker sailing in the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia was struck by an unknown projectile and caught fire. The Houthis later claimed responsibility for targeting two Saudi oil tankers with missiles and drones.
The military preparations come as concerns grow in Washington over the financial cost of the conflict, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress has exceeded $37 billion. Lawmakers have also raised questions about the long-term strategy and the potential impact on US munitions stockpiles and global oil supplies.
The United States already has tens of thousands of troops stationed across the Middle East, along with 17 Navy ships, including two aircraft carrier strike groups, their accompanying destroyers, and a Marine expeditionary unit. Meanwhile, Iran has continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while US forces say their recent operations have focused on reducing Tehran's ability to threaten maritime traffic in the region.
