The United States has ordered about 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to deploy to the Middle East on Wednesday, giving President Donald Trump additional military options as tensions with Iran continue.

The troops are part of the division’s “Immediate Response Force,” a brigade capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

The contingent includes the division commander, Maj. Gen. Brandon R. Tegtmeier, his staff, and two battalions of roughly 800 soldiers each, according to defence officials.

More soldiers from the brigade could be sent to the region in the coming days.

The exact location of the deployment has not been disclosed, but officials said the forces would be positioned within operational reach of Iran.

The move follows the deployment of around 4,500 US Marines to the region, bringing the number of additional ground troops sent since the start of the conflict to nearly 7,000.

Overall, about 50,000 troops are assigned to the broader US military operation known as Operation Epic Fury, which spans the Middle East, Europe and the United States.

Officials said the troops could potentially be used in operations involving key strategic locations such as Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub in the northern Persian Gulf.

Meanwhile, additional Marine units — including the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit — are also moving toward the region and could assist in operations such as securing shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Military analysts say Marines could be used first in potential operations because their combat engineers are capable of repairing damaged airfields and infrastructure, allowing transport aircraft to bring in additional troops and equipment if required.