Senior U.S. military leaders are examining plans that would position airborne combat troops to support potential operations involving Iran, according to defense officials. The review would involve sending a combat brigade drawn from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division along with selected elements of the division's headquarters staff.
Officials characterized the activity as precautionary planning. They emphasized that no formal orders have been issued by the Pentagon or U.S. Central Command, and that the latter declined to comment when approached about the consideration.
The brigade under consideration is part of the 82nd Airborne Division's Immediate Response Force - a unit of roughly 3,000 soldiers certified to deploy anywhere in the world within an 18-hour window. In the planning scenarios described by defense officials, these troops could be tasked with seizing Kharg Island, which serves as Iran's principal oil export terminal.
Officials also outlined an alternative option that would involve a different force package. If the President authorizes U.S. forces to seize the island, planners are considering using an assault by approximately 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is currently en route to the area.
Throughout the discussion, defense officials framed the planning as prudent contingency preparation rather than a set course of action. The lack of issued orders and the decision by U.S. Central Command not to comment underline that the measures remain under consideration rather than underway.
Operational context and posture
The options under review focus on high-readiness formations designed for rapid deployment. The Immediate Response Force provides a brigade-sized capability that can be moved on short notice, while the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit represents a smaller amphibious-ready force already moving into the region.
What remains undecided
- Whether any order will be issued to move 82nd Airborne elements or associated headquarters staff.
- Whether the President will approve an operation to seize Kharg Island.
- The ultimate selection between the 82nd Airborne brigade option and the Marine expeditionary unit option if authorization is given.