Signs pointing toward military boots-on-the-ground deployment in Mideast

WorldPolitics
7 Mar 2026 • 6:57 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The Army abruptly canceled a major training exercise for an elite paratrooper unit, sparking speculation about potential U.S. troop deployment to Iran.
  • The 82nd Airborne Division's Immediate Response Force is reportedly on alert for deployment, though no official orders have been issued.
  • Trump administration leaders have not ruled out sending U.S. ground troops to Iran, with Trump himself stating he would consider it if necessary.
  • U.S. military operations against Iran have so far relied on air and naval strikes, with officials claiming control of Iran's airspace without ground troops.
  • Six Americans have been killed in the conflict by an Iranian drone strike, and a strike on a school in Minab, Iran, is under investigation after reportedly causing upwards of 175 civilian casualties.

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