50K Troops in Middle East: US Weighs Bigger Attack

0:00On March 29, over 50,000 troops are now stationed in the Middle East as the war with Iran drags into its second month. That's 10,000 more than the usual numbers, with fresh reinforcements rolling in to wrap up the pressure. Earlier this week, 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and 2,500 sailors hit the region. The Pentagon also sent 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, positioning them close enough for potential strikes. The big issue here is the Strait of Hormuz, closed since late February when the U.S. and Israel kicked off the conflict. It handles 20% of the world's oil, and President Trump is weighing a bigger attack to punch it back open. Those army pair troopers could target Iran's key oil export hub on Carg Island or team up with Marines for ground-ops. Meanwhile, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford pulled out on March 23, with 4,500 aboard heading to Crete and then Croatia.

1:01Experts say 50,000 is way too light for any major land grab in a nation of 93 million people. Think Israel's 300,000. For Gaza or the U.S. is 250,000 kickoff in Iraq, tensions stay sky high with no easy end in sight. I'm Cory with the story. That's your U.S. News Today update, AI powered and always on.