The United States is extending the deployment of its troops and military assets in West Asia into 2027, as Washington prepares for a potentially longer conflict with Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported. The move gives US President Donald Trump more options, including increasing economic pressure, carrying out further strikes and potentially widening the war.
The deployment, which was initially presented by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as a short and decisive military campaign, has now grown significantly. The US currently has around 50,000 troops, 19 warships, fighter squadrons, air defence units and paratroopers in the region.
Why are US troops being kept in West Asia longer?
According to people familiar with the matter cited by the report, several American military units are being ordered to stay in the region longer than initially planned. Army air defence deployments have been extended from nine months to 12 months.
Some units sent from Europe and the Pacific have already spent more than a year in West Asia. The longer deployments are putting pressure on American troops, their families and military equipment.
The US Navy is also facing growing strain. Its 19 warships in the region include two aircraft carriers and 13 guided-missile destroyers. The USS Delbert D. Black and USS Spruance, each carrying around 300 personnel, have spent several months at sea while helping enforce the blockade.
Is Trump shifting from military action to economic pressure?
The Trump administration is increasingly focusing on economic pressure against Iran in an effort to push Tehran back to negotiations. Trump has privately discussed whether the war could be declared over if economic pressure forces Iran to dismantle its nuclear programme.
Trump has also warned that the US remains ready to launch more attacks. Washington has threatened further sanctions on Iran and countries continuing to trade with Tehran.
At the same time, Trump’s aides are concerned that a wider conflict could hurt Republican candidates in the November midterm elections. Trump, however, has said electoral considerations are not guiding his decisions.
