4 min readUpdated: Mar 27, 2026 06:40 PM IST
Iran-US war: The United States is considering sending at least 10,000 additional combat troops to the Middle East as President Donald Trump weighs military options against Iran, including a possible ground operation, Axios reported.
The move comes amid escalating tensions after Iran rejected a 15-point US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The war, which began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran during nuclear negotiations, has since spread across the region, killing thousands and pushing up global energy and fertiliser prices, fuelling inflation concerns worldwide.
According to the Axios report, which cited a senior US defence official, the White House and Pentagon are discussing the deployment of additional troops from new combat units, with a decision expected next week. The potential surge would significantly increase US military presence in the region and signal that Washington is seriously preparing for a possible ground operation in Iran.
Pentagon plans for potential ‘final blow’ against Iran
The Pentagon is also developing plans for a potential “final blow” against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail. Axios reported that these options could include ground operations and a large-scale bombing campaign. Trump has not yet made a final decision but is reportedly prepared to escalate if negotiations do not produce tangible results soon.
Seizing or blockading Iran’s Kharg Island
Among the options being considered are seizing or blockading Iran’s Kharg Island, its main oil export hub; capturing Larak Island, which helps Iran control the Strait of Hormuz; seizing Abu Musa and nearby islands near the western entrance of the strait; or intercepting ships exporting Iranian oil. US military planners have also reportedly prepared scenarios for ground operations to secure Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, though large-scale air strikes remain another alternative.
Meanwhile, additional reinforcements are already on the way, including fighter jet squadrons, Marine expeditionary units and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Iran’s scepticism about US’s diplomatic push
Iran, however, has expressed deep scepticism about Washington’s diplomatic push, viewing it as a potential cover for military action. Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any attempt to occupy Iranian territory would trigger attacks on regional infrastructure.
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Efforts to arrange talks are continuing, with Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey reportedly trying to broker negotiations between the US and Iran. While Tehran rejected initial US demands, it has not ruled out talks entirely, though mistrust remains high, Axios reported.
5,100+
Total deaths across all parties
$107
Brent crude per barrel (+45%)
82,000+
Civilian buildings damaged in Iran
Phase 1 — War Begins
Feb 28, 2026
Israel and US strike Iran — war begins. Co-ordinated strikes launched on Iranian territory. Oil prices begin climbing immediately; Brent crude starts what will become a 45%+ surge.
Early March 2026
Iran seizes control of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran closes the waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil is normally shipped, triggering a global energy crisis. Iran later begins extracting tolls from ships for safe passage.
Ongoing — March 2026
Iran fires missiles and drones across the Gulf. Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait targeted. Saudi Arabia shoots down missiles aimed at Riyadh. Kuwait’s Shuwaikh and Mubarak Al Kabeer ports — the latter a Chinese Belt and Road project — sustain material damage.
Ongoing — March 2026
Deaths accumulate across multiple fronts: over 1,900 killed in Iran, more than 1,100 in Lebanon, 18 civilians and 4 soldiers in Israel, 13 US troops, 80 Iraqi security forces, 20 in Gulf Arab states, and 4 in the West Bank. The IOM reports 82,000 civilian buildings damaged in Iran, including homes of 180,000 people.
Phase 2 — Diplomacy & Military Build-Up
Mid-March 2026
US military build-up accelerates. A group of ships carrying approximately 2,500 Marines draws closer to the region. Over 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division — trained to seize hostile airfields — are separately ordered to the Middle East.
March 26, 2026
US delivers 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran via Pakistan. The list includes restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme and re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejects the offer and puts forward its own 5-point counter-proposal demanding reparations and sovereignty over the strait.
March 26, 2026
Trump pushes his self-imposed deadline — after which he had threatened to destroy Iran’s energy plants — back to April 6, saying talks are going “very well.” Iran denies being in any negotiations. Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan launch a tri-nation diplomatic drive to organise a direct US–Iran meeting, possibly in Islamabad.
March 27, 2026 — Latest
Israel strikes “heart of Tehran”; missiles rain on Gulf states. Targets include ballistic missile production sites, launchers and storage facilities in western Iran. Smoke rises over Beirut; 2 killed in Lebanon. Air raid sirens sound across Israel, Bahrain, Qatar and UAE. Asian markets fall; Brent crude hits $107/barrel. The UN Security Council holds closed consultations on the conflict.
What’s next
Sources: Associated Press · Indian Express
Israel launches new wave of strikes on Iran
Meanwhile, Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Iran Friday after Trump claimed talks on ending the war were going well and gave Tehran more time to open the Strait of Hormuz, though there have been no signs of Iran backing down. Iran, however, maintains it is not engaged in any negotiations.
Israel’s attack Friday “in the heart of Tehran” targeted sites used by Iran to produce ballistic missiles and other weapons, the Israeli military said. It also hit missile launchers and storage sites in western Iran. Smoke also rose over Beirut, although Israel did not immediately report hitting the Lebanese capital, while air raid sirens sounded in Israel as the military said it was working to intercept Iranian missiles.
(With inputs from AP)
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