US officials are considering deploying nearly 3,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, potentially to support an operation against Iran. This consideration, reported by the New York Times on 23/3, cites unnamed US defense officials who indicate Pentagon officials are evaluating the deployment of a combat brigade and part of the 82nd Airborne Division's command.
The brigade under review for deployment is the 82nd Airborne Division's "Immediate Response Force". This unit comprises approximately 3,000 personnel, capable of deploying globally within 18 hours of receiving orders. Its potential mission includes seizing Kharg Island, considered Iran's "oil lifeline".
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Members of the US 82nd Airborne Brigade drill at Fort Bragg in February. Photo: US Army |
US media also reported that officials are considering deploying 2,500 soldiers from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a force currently en route to the Middle East. This marine unit could attack Kharg Island if President Donald Trump approves the seizure plan. However, officials noted these are precautionary planning measures, and the US Department of Defense has not issued any directives.
The Pentagon and US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, declined to comment. Former US officers suggest Washington would likely send marines to Kharg Island first to secure it and quickly repair its airport and related infrastructure, which was damaged after US airstrikes. The US Air Force would then use C-130 transport aircraft to bring equipment, supplies, and troops to the island.
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Location of Kharg Island. Graphics: CNBC |
In this scenario, the 82nd Airborne Division would likely serve as a follow-on force for the marine unit. They could deploy to the island, allowing the marines to withdraw after the initial assault, according to US officials. A key drawback of the 82nd Airborne Division is its lack of heavy equipment, such as tanks and armored vehicles, leaving it vulnerable to an Iranian counterattack.
The US Army abruptly canceled plans in March for a 300-person command element of the 82nd Airborne Division to participate in an exercise in Louisiana. This decision ordered them to remain at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, anticipating a potential Pentagon deployment to the Middle East. The 82nd Airborne Division's Immediate Response Force has been deployed multiple times recently: to the Middle East in 1/2020 after the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad, to Afghanistan in 8/2021 to support evacuations, and to Eastern Europe in 2022 to assist operations in Ukraine.
By Pham Giang (According to New York Times, Washington Post, Haaretz)
