The report said any action would likely fall short of a full-scale invasion, instead involving special operations forces and conventional infantry targeting locations such as Kharg Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments.

Washington has already moved thousands of Marines to the Middle East amid the month-long conflict. The first of two contingents arrived on an amphibious assault ship on Friday, according to the U.S. military.

Additional deployments under consideration include forces from the 82nd Airborne Division, alongside approximately 5,000 Marines being repositioned to the region. These reinforcements would add to an estimated 50,000 U.S. troops already stationed across the Middle East, according to media reports.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington could achieve its objectives without deploying ground troops but noted that forces were being positioned to give policymakers “maximum” flexibility.

Defense analysts cited in reports said limited operations could aim to secure maritime routes or seize key infrastructure such as Kharg Island, a major hub for Iran’s oil exports.

Military experts have cautioned that even limited ground incursions could lead to prolonged engagement, raising the risk of a broader conflict and increased casualties.

Concerns also persist over the economic implications of instability around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global energy supplies passes.

No final decision on ground operations has been announced, and U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed the scope or timing of any potential action.

The report, citing Department of Defense officials, said the proposed deployment could include infantry units and armored assets, reflecting a broader effort to reinforce the U.S. posture in a region already on heightened alert amid the ongoing Iran conflic.

The potential troop increase would add to a growing U.S. presence in the region. The Pentagon is preparing to send at least 1,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, according to earlier reporting by the Associated Press.

This would come alongside approximately 5,000 Marines being repositioned to the Middle East, on top of an existing force of around 50,000 U.S. personnel.The incremental buildup has fueled speculation that Washington is positioning itself for possible limited ground operations tied to strategic objectives linked to Iran’s energy infrastructure and regional waterways.

Analysts say U.S. ground forces could be capable of securing key maritime chokepoints or energy facilities, but warn of the potential for a prolonged and costly engagement. Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense, said that while such operations are feasible, the broader question remains whether they are strategically justified.

He noted that diplomacy remains the preferred pathway, though its success depends on both sides demonstrating willingness to compromise.

Trump said on Thursday that Iran had allowed several Pakistan-flagged oil tankers to transit a key maritime route, describing the move as a possible positive signal in the context of ongoing tensions.

The administration continues to balance military preparedness with diplomatic outreach, as indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran raise the prospect of negotiations even as force levels in the region expand.

Trump told reporters at the White House that U.S. officials were engaged with “the right people” in Iran and suggested Tehran was eager to reach an agreement.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed that Washington had transmitted a multi-point proposal aimed at halting the conflict, now in its fourth week following U.S. and Israeli strikes launched on February 28.Iranian authorities denied that direct negotiations were underway.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed reports of talks as “fake news,” underscoring persistent gaps between public positions and diplomatic signals.

According to media reports cited by regional outlets, the U.S. proposal includes provisions for dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, ending support for proxy groups, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A month-long ceasefire has also been discussed to facilitate negotiations, though no official confirmation of those terms has been issued by Washington.

Trump said Iran had made a “valuable concession” linked to non-nuclear energy and maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly 20% of global oil supply typically flows. He did not provide details.

Iran informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that non-hostile vessels could transit the strait if coordinated with Iranian authorities, according to a note seen by Reuters. The waterway has effectively been shut since the outbreak of hostilities, triggering a sharp global energy supply disruption.

Despite diplomatic signals, military activity has continued on all sides. Two sources said the United States is preparing to deploy thousands of troops from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, adding to approximately 50,000 U.S. personnel already stationed in the region.

The deployment would accelerate a broader military buildup, heightening concerns among analysts and regional actors that the conflict could become prolonged even as negotiations proceed.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government was willing to host talks between Washington and Tehran, expressing support for dialogue aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement.

A Pakistani government source said discussions about a potential meeting were at an advanced stage, though no agreement had been finalized.Pakistan maintains longstanding ties with Iran and has recently strengthened engagement with the United States, positioning itself as a potential intermediary.

The latest developments come a day after Trump delayed threatened strikes on Iranian power infrastructure, citing “productive” discussions, while Oman, which has acted as a mediator, previously indicated that progress had been made in earlier negotiations before the outbreak of conflict.