special forces Middle East
Washington (dpa) — Hundreds of US special operations forces have arrived in the Middle East, US media reported on Monday, adding to a growing troop presence that could expand US President Donald Trump’s military options in the conflict with Iran.
The deployment includes Army Rangers, considered a leading element of US ground forces, and Navy SEALs, an elite unit of the US Navy, the New York Times and CBS News reported, citing US military officials and sources familiar with the operation.
The troops have joined thousands of Marines and Army paratroopers already in the region, the reports said.
The additional forces could be used in missions aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, seizing Iran’s key oil export hub on Kharg Island or securing highly enriched uranium, according to the reports.
Speculation has grown in recent days about a potential US ground offensive in Iran.
Trump has publicly urged Tehran to seek a diplomatic resolution to the conflict launched by the United States and Israel, while also threatening further military escalation.
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