High-ranking American military officials confirmed that Washington is seriously considering sending a combat brigade from the 82nd Airborne Division, in addition to the command of the division itself, to provide support for military operations in Iran, despite statements by US President Donald Trump about the possibility of holding negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
The New York Times reported that officials described these measures as “thoughtful planning,” noting that no official instructions have yet been issued by the US Department of Defense or Central Command, which preferred not to comment on the matter.
The proposed combat brigade consists of approximately 3,000 soldiers belonging to the “Quick Reaction Force” of the 82nd Airborne Division, a force distinguished by its ability to deploy anywhere in the world within just 18 hours.
The proposed scenarios include the possibility of using these forces to control Kharg Island, which is considered the main hub for Iranian oil exports.
In addition, another option is being studied that includes launching an attack by approximately 2,500 US Marines currently heading to the Middle East, if a decision is made to control the island.
Sources suggest that the first step will be to send Marine forces to rehabilitate Kharg Island Airport, which was damaged as a result of the recent American air strikes, with the aim of using it to transport equipment, supplies and troops by military transport aircraft.
In this context, the forces of the 82nd Airborne Division are likely to provide support to the Marines.
It should be noted that the 82nd Division has been deployed in recent years to various locations, including the Middle East in 2020 after the attack targeting the US Embassy in Baghdad, Afghanistan in 2021 to support evacuation operations, and countries in Eastern Europe in 2022 in the context of developments related to the war in Ukraine.
