WSJ: The Elite U.S. 82nd Division Has Been Ordered To Deploy To The Middle East

• 24.03.2026, 22:07

What is known.

The United States plans to send an additional 3 thousand servicemen to the Middle East. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal with reference to two American officials.

The Pentagon will send soldiers from the "elite 82nd Airborne Division" of the US Armed Forces to the Middle East, the agency's interlocutors said. According to them, a written order is expected in the coming hours. The sources also noted that the decision to commit troops to Iran has not yet been made.

The US plans to send "thousands of troops" from the 82nd Division was also reported by Reuters, citing two "knowledgeable officials." According to the publication, the buildup will expand the group's ability to conduct operations in the future. The agency added that the Pentagon referred them to the US administration for comment. The White House did not respond to the request.

Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin reported in X that the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, Major General Brandon Tegtmeier, his command staff and staff members have been ordered to deploy to the Middle East.

According to Fox News, the White House is discussing the possibility of sending the division to the region for possible ground operations. Ms. Griffin recalled speculation that the U.S. could try to seize Kharg Island or other targets on Iranian territory.

On March 23, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had held talks with the Iranian side, after which he imposed a five-day moratorium on strikes on the Islamic Republic's energy facilities. Tehran has denied any contacts with Washington.