Pentagon weighing 10,000 more US ground troops to Middle East — to expand Trump's military options

The Wall Street Journal reported on 27 March 2026, citing Defense Department officials with knowledge of the planning, that the Pentagon is looking at sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East. The purpose is to give President Trump more military options as he simultaneously weighs peace talks with Tehran. The additional troops would come on top of the thousands already deployed toward the Gulf, including those positioned toward Kharg Island on Trump's orders. Officials from mediating countries had already told TOI that Trump is leaning toward a ground operation against Iran, convinced Tehran will capitulate under sufficient military pressure. The WSJ report is the first direct Pentagon sourcing confirming the scale of additional force deployment under consideration.