President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States has no intention of deploying ground troops into Iran, firmly rejecting reports that his administration may be considering a large-scale military buildup in the Middle East.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Trump was asked whether he planned to send additional U.S. forces to the region or lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports. He responded with a clear denial.
“No, I’m not putting troops anywhere,” Trump said. “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you—but I’m not putting troops.”
His remarks came shortly after a Reuters report, citing unnamed U.S. officials, suggested that the administration was reviewing options that could involve deploying thousands of troops. Among the possibilities discussed was securing commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a mission that might require forces positioned close to Iran’s coastline.
Despite dismissing the idea of a ground deployment, the Pentagon has confirmed an increased U.S. military presence in the region. An Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) along with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), totaling approximately 4,000 personnel, has been ordered to move forward. This deployment includes elements of the Japan-based 31st MEU and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli.
In addition, the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group—made up of the USS Boxer, USS Portland, and USS Comstock—is accelerating its deployment from the West Coast. Altogether, these forces could bring the U.S. presence in the region to roughly 8,000 service members, including between 4,000 and 5,000 Marines, supported by multiple amphibious warships.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the movement at the request of U.S. Central Command, underscoring a broader effort to strengthen operational readiness without committing to a prolonged ground campaign.
Military officials emphasize that Marine Expeditionary Units are designed for rapid-response missions rather than sustained occupation. These units typically include infantry battalions, aviation assets such as MV-22 Osprey aircraft and F-35 fighter jets, as well as logistics and amphibious capabilities. Their roles can range from evacuation operations and embassy security to maritime interdiction and limited combat missions.
The deployment enables the United States to project power near the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global energy chokepoint—without assembling the forces required for a full-scale invasion.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks following Israeli strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and subsequent retaliatory actions affecting Gulf shipping routes. Trump acknowledged that military activity could disrupt global markets but expressed confidence that the situation would stabilize relatively soon.
Overall, the administration appears to be focusing on deterrence through naval strength, airpower, and strategic flexibility, rather than pursuing direct ground involvement in Iran.
