US to send 3,000 airborne troops amid rising tensions with Iran

The Pentagon plans to deploy around 3,000 troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to support operations against Iran, with a written order expected in the coming hours, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing two U.S. officials.

According to the report, officials warn that a decision to deploy ground troops directly into Iran has not yet been made. However, the deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division provides President Trump with several strategic options.