US sends thousands more troops to Middle East as 'Trump seeks to squeeze Iran,' reports say

BEIRUT — The Pentagon is deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East in the coming days as the Trump administration increases pressure on Iran to reach a deal that could end the ongoing conflict, according to U.S. officials, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.

The forces include about 6,000 troops aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its accompanying warships, as well as roughly 4,200 personnel from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, expected to arrive later in the month. The reinforcements are set to join approximately 50,000 U.S. troops already stationed in the region, the report explained.

Officials said the deployment comes as a fragile two-week cease-fire nears its scheduled expiration on April 22 and as the administration considers further military options if diplomacy fails.

U.S. President Donald Trump has also announced a maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports on Sunday, aiming to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations over its nuclear program.

Iran's military has also vowed to block trade through the Red Sea, along with the Gulf and Sea of Oman, if the U.S. naval blockade continues.

A former senior defense official said U.S. forces involved in enforcing the blockade may target vessels suspected of supporting Iran, including through armed boarding operations conducted by Navy SEALs, Marines, or Coast Guard units if necessary.

At least six merchant vessels were reportedly intercepted in the first 24 hours of the operation and returned to Iranian ports without incident. More than a dozen U.S. warships are now positioned in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea to enforce the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump warned that any ships approaching the blockade could face lethal force, stating that “If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea.”

Officials also acknowledged the risks of escalation, including potential U.S. ground operations inside Iran. These could range from special operations missions targeting nuclear materials to larger Marine deployments or even attempts to seize strategic sites such as Kharg Island.

Retired officials warned such scenarios would carry significant risk. Mick Mulroy said, “It’s not going to be without consequences,” adding, “There will likely be casualties.”