World3 min(s) read
Published 15:36 27 Mar 2026 GMT
Major update as Trump considers sending 10,000 troops to Iran for ground invasion
President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing up sending at least 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East as part of a potential ground operation.
The move comes as thousands of US forces are already being positioned for what is described as a high-risk mission to seize strategic islands, including Kharg, a critical oil export hub off Iran’s coast.
While no final decision has been made, officials suspect that a call could come within days.
Plans For Major Ground Operation
Per iNews, the US is believed to have already deployed around 7,000 Marines and paratroopers, alongside amphibious warships and landing craft.
The 79-year-old is reportedly considering sending a further 10,000 troops to give him "more military options," even as he continues to push for negotiations with Iran.
A senior US defense official said a decision will likely be made next week, with reports suggesting the additional troops would signal a likely ground invasion.
The strategy centres on capturing or blockading Kharg Island, which handles more than 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports and is seen by some officials as a decisive pressure point.
On March 26, Trump took an aggressive tone toward Iran in a post on Truth Social, writing: "They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!"
Why Kharg Island Is Seen As The Key Target
The small island plays a massive role in Iran’s economy, exporting around 1.7 million barrels of crude per day before the conflict.
Some within the administration believe seizing the island could "totally bankrupt" Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and force the country into concessions.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham reinforced that view, saying: "He who controls Kharg Island controls the destiny of this war...We did Iwo Jima, we can do this. The Marines, my money’s always on the Marines."
The idea of targeting Kharg is not new. Trump previously suggested during the Iran-Iraq war in 1988: "One bullet shot at one of our men or ships and I’d do a number on Kharg Island. I’d go in and take it."
Risks of Escalation and Heavy Casualties
Any attempt to seize the island would be extremely dangerous, with US troops likely facing Iranian missiles, drones, mines, and fast attack boats.
Iran has already warned it is monitoring developments closely. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said: "Iran’s enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands."
He added: “Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any action, all of that regional state’s vital infrastructure will be targeted with continuous and relentless attacks.”
Military experts say an invasion would likely begin with efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, potentially involving islands such as Qeshm, Larak, and Abu Musa.