WASHINGTON, N.C. (WRAL) – Senior military officials are weighing a possible deployment of a combat brigade from the Army\u2019s 82nd Airborne Division and some elements of the division\u2019s headquarters staff to support U.S. military operations in Iran, defense officials said.<\/p>\n
The officials described the military\u2019s actions as prudent planning, noting that nothing had been ordered by the Pentagon or U.S. Central Command, which declined to comment. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing planning.<\/p>\n
The combat forces would come from the 82nd Airborne\u2019s Immediate Response Force, a brigade of about 3,000 soldiers capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours. These forces could be used to seize Kharg Island, Iran\u2019s main oil export hub.<\/p>\n
Another possibility being considered, should President Donald Trump authorize U.S. troops to seize the island, is an attack by about 2,500 troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is on its way to the region.<\/p>\n