The United States is sending nearly 7,000 additional Army and Marine troops to the Middle East, signaling the possibility of ground operations in the Iran war.
Though President Donald Trump has repeatedly said “I’m not putting troops anywhere,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters March 25 that Trump "does not bluff" and is prepared to "unleash hell" against Iran.
The Pentagon has ordered 2,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, including its 1st Brigade Combat Team, to the region. That directive, issued March 25, follows the deployment of two 2,200-member Marine Expeditionary Units, the first on March 13 and the second on March 19.
It was not known where the ground units will be positioned. Their presence gives Trump additional leverage as diplomatic negotiations continue. Iran rejected a 15-point peace plan offered by U.S. officials March 25.
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