Pentagon deployed ~50,000 troops for Operation Epic Fury — forces drawn from Middle East, Europe, and US (NYT)

The New York Times reported on March 25 that the Pentagon has deployed approximately 50,000 troops for Operation Epic Fury, the US-led air and naval campaign against Iran that began February 28. Forces have been drawn from the Middle East (pre-positioned forces including those at Al Udeid, NSA Bahrain, CFLCC), from Europe (pre-positioned forces and NATO staging), and from the continental United States (including the 82nd Airborne rapid-response deployment). The 50,000 figure is the comprehensive operational deployment, not just the recent additions: the previously disclosed ~7,000 additional troops (2,000 82nd Airborne + 4,500 Marines) represents the most recent increment. The 50,000 total places Operation Epic Fury among the largest US military deployments since the 2003 Iraq War. It covers both the air campaign (B-2s, F-35s, carrier air wing) and the growing ground/naval force posture near Iran. The deployment scale, combined with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and the carrier reportedly still operating in the Sea of Oman, represents the most significant US military presence near Iran in history.