The US has sent 2,000 more troops to the Middle East amid peace talks, bringing the latest deployment to 7,000. This is in addition to the previous deployment of 50,000 troops and increases the risk of a ground war.
Washington: On one hand, President Trump has supported the US-Iran peace talks mediated by Pakistan, while on the other hand, America has sent 2,000 more troops to the Middle East. The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division. These soldiers will reach the Middle East within the next two days. With this, the total number of American troops recently sent to this area has reached 7,000. This deployment is in addition to the 50,000 American troops who are already present at different bases due to fears of war. Amidst reports that America is preparing for a ground war, this new deployment of troops is very important.
Trump had shared a social media post of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which he had offered to mediate the talks. It is reported that Pakistan has handed over the 15-point peace proposal prepared by America to Iran. However, it is not yet clear whether Iran will be ready for talks based on this proposal or not, and whether Israel will support it. Earlier, Iran had openly rejected Trump’s claims that talks were going on with America. Despite Trump saying to stop the attacks, Israel continues attacking government targets in Tehran. Iran is also attacking in response.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister on phone on Tuesday. China’s Foreign Ministry said that it hopes that all parties will take advantage of the opportunities for peace and start talks soon. China is Iran’s biggest oil buyer and a longtime ally.
Is this preparation for ground war?
On one hand all this is going on, while on the other hand America seems to be intensifying preparations for the attack. This new deployment of troops vindicates Iran’s allegations that America is preparing an attack under the guise of diplomatic efforts.
2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are arriving in the Middle East. This division is a special unit of 3,000 soldiers, which can be deployed anywhere in the world within 18 hours. The soldiers being sent to the Middle East are part of the ‘Immediate Response Force’. The detachment was led by division commander Major General Brandon R. Tegtmeyer is doing. The New York Times, quoting Pentagon sources, has reported that more soldiers from the same brigade may be sent in the coming days.
Currently, 4,500 Marines are also on their way to the Middle East. The Pentagon has named this military operation ‘Epic Fury’, for which about 50,000 soldiers have already been deployed from the Middle East, Europe and America.