The Pentagon is planning to deploy about 3,000 soldiers from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to support operations against Iran, according to two U.S. officials, with a written order expected in the coming hours.
Officials cautioned that a decision to put boots on the ground in Iran hasn’t been made. But deploying the 82nd opens the door to US President Donald Trump for several strategic options.
Meanwhile, Iran pressed its assault in the Middle East, hitting Israel as well as Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia with fresh attacks, as Tehran officials worried that diplomatic attempts to secure a cease-fire could be a trap.
The extended fighting came a day after Trump said the U.S. military would postpone strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days following “productive” talks with Tehran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied Tehran was in talks with the U.S.
Here’s what else to know:
Pakistan offered to mediate peace talks between the U.S. and Iran to end the war, an overture that was amplified by Trump on social media.
Amazon Web Services said the conflict has disrupted its cluster of data centers in Bahrain.
Iran appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the secretary of its Supreme National Security Council, replacing Ali Larijani, who was killed last week.
Smoke rises from a village in Lebanon following an Israeli strike, amid escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, and amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, as seen from northern Israel, March 16, 2026. REUTERS/Shir Torem
Israel Defines Litani River as New Buffer Zone With Lebanon
The Israeli military said Lebanon’s Litani River would be the new border for a buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon as it continues to expand its campaign against the Hezbollah militia.
The military is also sending more troops in the coming days as it deepens its ground maneuvers there, said military spokesman Effie Defrin.
Trump Says U.S. Is ‘Dealing With the Right People’ in Iran
“It was oil and gas related, and it was a very nice thing they did,” Trump said Tuesday. “But what it showed me is that we’re dealing with the right people.” The White House didn’t immediately respond to a request for more information.
