Pentagon Officials Weigh Deployment of Airborne Troops for Iran War [View all]

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/23/us/politics/us-airborne-troops-iran.html

Pentagon Officials Weigh Deployment of Airborne Troops for Iran War
The combat forces would come from a brigade of about 3,000 soldiers capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours.
By Greg Jaffe and Eric Schmitt
March 23, 2026

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The combat forces would come from the 82nd Airborne’s “Immediate Response Force,” a brigade of about 3,000 soldiers capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours. These forces could be used to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.

Another possibility being considered, should President Trump authorize U.S. troops to seize the island, is an attack by about 2,500 troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is on its way to the region.

The airfield on Kharg Island was damaged by the recent U.S. bombing raids so former U.S. commanders said it was more likely to first bring in Marines, whose combat engineers could quickly repair airfields and other airport infrastructure. Once the airfield is repaired, the Air Force could start flowing matériel and supplies, as well as troops, if necessary, by C-130s.

In that scenario, it is possible that the troops from the 82nd Airborne would augment the Marines. The upside of going with paratroopers is they can arrive overnight. The downside is they do not bring any heavy equipment, such as heavily armored vehicles, that would offer protection if Iranian forces counterattacked, current and former officials said.

The Marines lack the sustainment and staying power of the forces from the 82nd Airborne, which could be used to relieve the Marine forces after the initial attack on the island, current and former officials said.

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