US to Deploy Additional Troops to Middle East

The United States is set to deploy thousands of additional troops to the Middle East in the coming days in an effort to increase pressure on Iran and secure a deal to end the weeks-long conflict, The Washington Post reported, citing US officials speaking on condition of anonymity.

President Donald Trump’s administration is also considering further measures, including possible strikes or ground operations if the ceasefire does not hold, the report said.

Around 6,000 troops aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, along with accompanying vessels, are expected to head to the region. A further 4,200 Marines are due to arrive at the end of the month. The reinforcements would add to the roughly 50,000 US troops already deployed in the area.

The United States has also imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in an attempt to force Tehran to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and to halt its nuclear program. In the early hours of the operation, US forces intercepted several merchant vessels.

(bak)