The United States is preparing to deploy elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to two sources with knowledge of the plans cited by CBS News.
The deployment would include a command and ground force element of less than 1,500 troops. The decision is part of a broader planning of ongoing operations, amid requests from the military command for a potential use of ground troops in the conflict.
The war, now in its fourth week, has so far been dominated by an extensive air campaign. According to US Central Command, US forces have flown more than 9,000 combat missions, striking a similar number of targets in Iran. These operations targeted critical military infrastructure, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters, intelligence facilities, ballistic missile facilities, air defense systems, military production centers and elements of Iran's naval fleet.
Despite the scale of the air offensive, the possible deployment of airborne troops suggests that US planners are preparing for a wider range of military options. Senior commanders have previously made requests aimed at ensuring readiness for ground operations.
US President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that diplomatic efforts are also underway. He said senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, are engaged in direct negotiations with Iranian officials.
“The other side, I can tell you, would like to reach an agreement,” the US president said on Tuesday.
However, Iranian officials have publicly rejected claims of negotiations, describing the reports as “fake news” aimed at stabilizing global oil markets amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
Meanwhile, US forces in the region are already being strengthened. Marines are heading to the Middle East, with about 2,200 troops and three warships leaving California last week. This is the second such deployment since the start of hostilities on February 28.
The Pentagon referred questions to the White House, while administration officials say any formal announcement will come from the Defense Department.
The contingent of paratroopers deployed to the Middle East includes Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, along with the division's staff, as well as a battalion from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, which currently serves as the division's Immediate Response Force, sources told CNN.
Elements of division and battalion personnel are expected to begin deployment within a week, according to one of the sources familiar with the situation. Other elements within the brigade are also expected to deploy at a later date, although these plans may change as the situation evolves.
The brigade will operate as a “ready unit” in the Middle East, being available to be mobilized as needed, the source said. The 82nd Airborne Division carried out a similar action in 2020 following the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.
The Immediate Response Force (IRF) is a brigade ready to intervene at minimal notice, acting as a rapid reaction force capable of being deployed within hours when required.
According to one of the familiar sources, no official deployment orders have yet been issued, but they are expected soon.
