The 82nd Airborne Division is also known as the Immediate Response Force.
The U.S. Department of War is reportedly considering deploying troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The New York Times cited senior War Department officials saying the proposal is still under review, with no official orders issued by the Pentagon and no formal request made by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for the division’s deployment.
What is the U.S. military’s 82nd Airborne Division?
Also known as the Immediate Response Force, the 82nd Airborne Division consists of roughly 3,000 troops who can be deployed anywhere in the world within 18 hours.
Reports suggest that the U.S. is considering deploying combat troops to seize and occupy Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategic location responsible for roughly 90% of the country’s crude oil exports.
The island’s airfield was recently damaged in U.S. military strikes, and if the plan is approved, Marines would likely be deployed first, according to a senior defense official. He added that Marine combat engineers could quickly repair the damage, paving the way for the possible deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division.
This development comes as diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan working to help end hostilities between the United States and Iran. Earlier, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir also spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Reports also indicate that senior officials from both Iran and the United States are expected to visit Pakistan for peace talks.
About the Author
