WSJ: Pentagon weighs deploying up to 10,000 additional troops to Middle East

The Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East as President Donald Trump evaluates both military options and potential peace talks with Tehran, US Department of Defense officials familiar with the planning told the Wall Street Journal.

According to the officials, the proposed force would likely include infantry units and armoured vehicles. If approved, the deployment would add to the roughly 5,000 US Marines and thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division who have already been ordered to the region.

Additional reinforcements are also expected in the coming days and weeks, including several fighter jet squadrons and thousands more troops, officials said.

One Marine expeditionary unit is scheduled to arrive in the region this week, while another is currently deploying. 

By Sabina Mammadli