The United States is sending approximately 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East to support military operations, while the Trump administration claims that negotiations with Iran to find a resolution to the conflict are underway.
On 25 Mar 2026 GMT+7, CNN reported citing two sources that about 1,000 US soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are preparing to deploy to the Middle East within the coming days to strengthen military capabilities in the region, at the same time the Trump administration claims to be negotiating with Iran to end the conflict.
Sources stated this force includes Major General Brandon Techtmeyer, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, along with his staff, as well as the 1st Brigade Combat Team, currently serving as a rapid response unit. The staff and the first brigade are expected to begin deployment within one week, with other brigade units to follow later, subject to change depending on the situation.
A second source told CNN on Wednesday that US officials approved the deployment orders in writing on Tuesday evening. This brigade will act as a “ready unit” in the Middle East, prepared to operate immediately if necessary, similar to the 82nd Airborne Division’s deployment in 2020 following the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
This latest development follows President Donald Trump’s statement on Monday that the US and Iran have reached agreement on 15 points in talks aimed at ending the conflict, and that Iran is “very eager” to make a deal. Meanwhile, Iran denies any talks with the US, but on Tuesday, an Iranian source told CNN that there has been “coordination” between the two countries, and Iran is willing to consider “sustainable” proposals to end the war.
In addition to the 82nd Airborne Division, several thousand other US forces are heading to the Middle East region, including the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) with the amphibious readiness group (ARG) "Boxer," and the 31st MEU with the ARG "Tripoli."
Each ARG-MEU unit consists of about 4,500 marines and sailors, equipped with diverse capabilities including ground support, aviation, and comprehensive logistics support.
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Source:cnn