Thousands of American paratroopers began arriving in the Middle East

The officials, who wished to remain anonymous, did not specify where exactly the soldiers were being deployed, but that move was expected.

Additional ground forces include parts of the 82nd Airborne Division command, logistics and other support, and one brigade combat group.

The decision to send troops to Iran has not yet been made, but they will strengthen capabilities for potential future operations in the region, one of the sources said.

The soldiers could be used for several purposes in a war with Iran, including an attempt to capture the island of Harg, the hub for 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that an operation to seize the island was being discussed within the Trump administration. Such a move would be very risky because Iran can reach the island with missiles and drones.

Reuters previously reported that the administration had discussed using ground forces inside Iran to extract highly enriched uranium from deep underground, although that option could mean a deeper penetration of US troops into Iran for a potentially longer period.

Internal discussions in the Trump administration have also included the potential stationing of US troops inside Iran to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Although this mission would primarily be carried out by air and naval forces, it could also mean the deployment of American soldiers to the Iranian coast.

Trump said on Monday that the United States was in talks with a “more sensible regime” to end the war in Iran, but repeated a warning to Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz or risk US attacks on oil fields and power plants.