US To Reportedly Deploy Over 10,000 Troops To The Middle East, Even As Trump Says War Is ‘Close To Over’

The U.S. is reportedly deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, aiming to pressure Iran into a deal and prepare for potential further conflict.

The Pentagon is preparing to dispatch more than 10,000 troops to the Middle East in the coming days. The deployment includes around 6,000 troops aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its accompanying warships.

A further 4,200 personnel from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are set to arrive by month’s end, reported the Washington Post on Wednesday.

The troop buildup comes as a two-week ceasefire is due to expire on April 22, with the newly deployed forces set to join roughly 50,000 personnel already engaged in operations against Iran.

Earlier this month, Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), a former Air Force officer, had said deploying U.S. troops in Iran may be unavoidable, arguing that completing the mission, likely involving special operations forces, would require “boots on the ground” given the country’s size and the challenge of changing Tehran’s approach.

White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.

Trump Optimistic About Peace Talks

Meanwhile, the U.S. halted Iran’s sea-based trade through a maritime blockade since Monday, while signaling a potential return to negotiations. President Donald Trump expressed optimism for the talks with Iran, which could resume within days in Pakistan, despite the ongoing tensions.

In another instance, Trump weighed in on the war duration and told FOX Business anchor Maria Bartiromo, “I think it’s close to over, yeah. I view it as very close to being over.” Trump’s interview is set to air on “Mornings with Maria” on Wednesday.

US Tightens Iran Oil Curbs

Meanwhile, amid the Trump administration’s strategy of exerting “maximum pressure” on Iran due to its nuclear program and support for militants in the Middle East, the U.S. has reportedly decided not to renew waivers on sanctions for Iranian and Russian oil.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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