'Wall Street Journal': Hegseth extends U.S. troop deployment in the Middle East to 2027
- Approximately 50,000 troops and 19 warships to keep military options open in the face of Iran
- Trump discusses with top aides the possibility of declaring the end of the war while maintaining economic pressure on Tehran
The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is extending the deployment periods of U.S. military forces and units in the Middle East, potentially keeping some in the region until 2027, signaling the Pentagon’s preparedness for the possibility of a prolonged conflict with Iran.
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Citing individuals familiar with the matter, the newspaper stated that the move is part of an open-ended military strategy aimed at keeping a range of options available for U.S. President Donald Trump in handling the war, despite growing pressures from the extended deployment durations on service members, their families, and U.S. equipment.
It noted that approximately 50,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in the Middle East, with 19 U.S. warships deployed in regional waters, including two aircraft carriers and 13 guided-missile destroyers, alongside air defense units, fighter squadrons, and paratrooper forces.
U.S. forces’ missions include intercepting Iranian missiles, protecting commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and participating in the blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas.
The newspaper pointed out that the extension of deployment periods is increasingly straining U.S. forces. The standard deployment duration for some Army air defense units has been extended from nine months to 12 months, while some units transferred from Europe and the Pacific region have remained in the Middle East for over a year.
Warships and their crews are also facing longer deployment periods, while ongoing operations are increasing pressure on maintenance and military readiness, amid concerns about repercussions that could take years to address.
According to the report, elements of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are expected to remain in the Middle East until 2027, following the extension of deployment periods for some of its units.
Conversely, the Wall Street Journal cited U.S. officials stating that Trump specifically discussed with his top aides the possibility of declaring the end of the war with Iran, expressing support for the idea. He believes that sustained economic pressure may ultimately compel Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program or lead to the collapse of the regime.
At the same time, the Pentagon retains the capabilities necessary to provide Trump with additional military options should he decide to escalate.
The newspaper stated that the Pentagon declined to comment specifically on troop deployment plans, emphasizing that it provides the Commander-in-Chief with a range of options. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also declined to comment for operational security reasons.
