US to send thousands more troops to Middle East amid offer of talks

The US is stepping up its military presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. The Pentagon is preparing to send thousands more troops to the Middle East, even as President Donald Trump has temporarily put off a potential invasion, Reuters reported.

Thousands of troops from the US military's elite 82nd Airborne Division could be deployed to the Middle East, the report said.

The troops are currently stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, two sources familiar with the matter said. It was not immediately clear where or when they would arrive.

The US military referred questions to the White House for comment, but there was no immediate response.

A source said there was no immediate decision to send troops directly to Iran. However, the deployment is being planned as preparation for possible future operations.

Last week, thousands of Marines and Navy personnel were deployed aboard the USS Boxer, along with a Marine Expeditionary Unit and support ships.

The new troop deployment comes a day after Trump announced a five-day postponement of potential attacks on Iranian energy facilities. He said “constructive talks” were underway with Iran.

Iran, however, denied Trump’s claim, saying no such talks had taken place.

Reuters.