The Pentagon is deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East as the Donald Trump administration seeks to force a deal with Iran while preparing for a possible escalation of the conflict if a fragile truce collapses, The Washington Post reported.
According to the media outlet, the reinforcement would involve the deployment of about 6,000 troops aboard the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush and more than 4,000 Marines from the USS Boxer, who would join the roughly 50,000 US troops already in the region.
The reinforcements will bring three aircraft carriers into the war effort, expanding military options as Washington imposes a naval blockade aimed at putting economic pressure on Iran and restoring the patency of the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials said the command is also considering scenarios ranging from enhanced strikes to ground operations.
According to WP, analysts warn that the troop deployment increases pressure on Tehran but carries risks, including possible US casualties and a wider escalation of conflict in the region if diplomatic efforts fail.
US-Iran talks were held in Islamabad on 11-12 April. They did not result in an agreement to end the war, which began on 28 February with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. The U.S. team was led by Vice President J.D. Vance, who said Iran’s nuclear ambitions were a major obstacle.
Iranian officials have signalled that they may be open to upcoming talks, but have blamed the Americans for the breakdown in negotiations.
Earlier on 14 April, Trump suggested that a new round of talks with Iran could resume in a day or two.