US deploys thousands of additional troops to Middle East

The Pentagon is deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East in the coming days as the Trump administration seeks to pressure Iran into reaching a deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, according to U.S. officials.

Officials told the Washington Post that the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen U.S. military posture in the region while also considering potential additional strikes or ground operations if a fragile ceasefire fails to hold.

The forces being deployed include around 6,000 troops aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, along with several escort warships, according to current and former officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of military movements. An additional 4,200 personnel with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and its embarked Marine Corps task force, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are expected to arrive near the end of the month.

The buildup is expected to coincide with existing U.S. naval assets in the region as a two-week ceasefire is set to expire on April 22. The reinforcements will join an estimated 50,000 personnel already involved in Pentagon operations targeting Iran.

President Donald Trump has also announced a blockade of maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, as part of efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran and push it to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

Negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, led by Vice President JD Vance, have reportedly stalled, though Trump said talks could resume later this week and described the situation as “very close” to being resolved.

By Sabina Mammadli