According to reports from the “Washington Post“On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced the deployment of 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd US Airborne Division to the US Middle East arranged. According to the Pentagon, the soldiers are intended to open up “additional military options” – but where exactly they will be deployed is still unclear.

90 percent of Iran’s oil exports go through Kharg

White House insiders told the “New York Times“That the soldiers could be used in the invasion of Kharg Island. Kharg is considered the crown jewel of the Iranian economy: Around 90 percent of the country’s oil exports are handled via the eight-kilometer-long island.

On March 13, the US Air Force had already carried out attacks against the island and bombed 90 Iranian positions. US President Donald Trump emphasized that the island could be taken at any time. A former US commander told the New York Times that an attack would probably take place in two phases: First, US Marines would secure and repair the island’s damaged runway. Then the paratroopers of the 82nd Division could fly in and occupy the island.

In return, Iran could destroy energy infrastructure in the region and thus damage global supply chains in the long term. An attack is also deeply unpopular among the American population: according to a survey by “Reuters/IpsosOnly seven percent of Americans support a ground offensive in the Middle East.

The troops are probably also a tool in the negotiations

The transfer of troops is not only important for military development. It is also a message in the negotiations with Iran: US President Trump signals that he can increase the pressure on Iran even further. Especially in view of its recently extended ultimatum, a credible threat is important for the USA.