U.S. Army paratroopers deploy at Pope Army Airfield in North Carolina on Jan. 1, 2020. Not directly related to the content of the article. [Photo by Capt. Robin J. Haight/Army]

The U.S. Department of War plans to deploy elite Army paratroopers to the Middle East to support military operations against Iran, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 24th (local time), citing two U.S. officials.

The WSJ reported that an official order for the deployment of approximately 3,000 soldiers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East is expected within hours.

Fox News reported on Tuesday morning that Major General Brandon Tegtmeier (Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division), his command staff, and headquarters personnel have received orders to deploy to the Middle East, and discussions are underway regarding the possibility of ground operations.

This combat brigade is scheduled to be deployed along with the division headquarters, which oversees operational planning and coordination.

The combat brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is an Army rapid response unit that can deploy anywhere in the world within 24 hours. They are trained to parachute into conflict zones and secure airfields and ground space.

Officials emphasized that a decision to deploy U.S. ground troops to Iran has not yet been made. However, the movement of the 82nd Airborne Division will expand President Donald Trump's military options in the region.

According to officials, such options could include efforts to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international maritime transport route, securing islands or coastal areas occupied by Iran, or launching operations targeting Iran's enriched uranium stockpile.

The 82nd Airborne Division is one of the first units to be mobilized in crisis situations due to its readiness and ability to quickly establish a foothold in conflict zones.

If President Trump decides to deploy ground troops, the approximately 8-kilometer-long Kharg Island, which handles about 90% of Iran's oil exports, could become a major operational area.

The island has been under intense U.S. bombardment since the conflict began on February 28th. The island is densely populated with oil facilities, industrial workers, and a significant number of soldiers, though the exact number is unknown.

President Trump, who ordered a massive bombing of the island earlier this month, described the area as Iran's "jewel" and has so far refrained from ordering attacks on Iranian oil facilities.

The Department of War has not officially confirmed the deployment of paratroopers or ground troops.

Separately, approximately 5,000 Marines are reportedly being moved to areas near Iran.

The USS Tripoli-led amphibious ready group and about 2,200 Marines are expected to arrive in the Strait of Hormuz this week. Additionally, the USS Boxer-led amphibious ready group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are also en route to the Middle East.

The total number of these Marine Expeditionary Units is estimated to be around 5,000.

U.S. NNP=Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com