Foreign media: Trump reportedly considering increasing troops in the Middle East while evaluating ground operation options

Odaily News According to a U.S. official and three informed sources, the Trump administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to strengthen its military operations in the Middle East. These deployments could provide Trump with more options as he weighs expanding operations. Sources indicate that ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz might involve deploying U.S. ground forces along the Iranian coast. The Trump administration has also discussed deploying ground forces to Iran's Kharg Island, as well as the possibility of sending U.S. troops to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. A White House official stated: "No decision has been made yet to send ground forces. The President is focused on achieving all the stated objectives of Operation 'Epic Fury'." Sources said the discussions about troop increases are not limited to an amphibious readiness group and its attached Marine Expeditionary Unit (approximately 2,000 Marines) scheduled to arrive in the Middle East next week. However, one source noted that the U.S. military will lose a portion of its forces due to the USS Ford aircraft carrier being sent to Greece for repairs after a fire. (Jin10)