The US 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 resolve 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 next few days to bolster military strength in the region, while the Trump administration claims it is negotiating with Iran to end the conflict.
Sources said this force includes Major General Brandon Tegtmeier, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, 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 start deploying within a week, with other units following later, though changes may occur 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 serve as a "ready unit" in the Middle East, prepared to act immediately if necessary, similar to the 82nd Airborne Division's deployment in 2020 following the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
This recent development came after President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US and Iran had reached agreements on 15 points in talks to end the conflict, with Iran being "very eager" to make a deal. While Iran denied talks with the US, an Iranian source told CNN on Tuesday that there had been "coordination" between the two countries and that Iran was 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, including the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) with the amphibious ready group (ARG) "Boxer," and the 31st MEU with the ARG "Tripoli."
Each ARG-MEU unit consists of approximately 4,500 Marines and crew members, equipped with diverse capabilities including ground support, aviation, and comprehensive logistics.
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Source:cnn