In order to keep President Donald Trump open to military options in the ongoing conflict with Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is extending the deployment of US troops in the Middle East until 2027. This information was reported by the Indian media NDTV on Thursday (September 3) quoting The Wall Street Journal.

The report said that although the operation against Iran was initially launched with the aim of a short-term and quick completion, the United States currently has about 50,000 troops deployed in the Middle East. They are accompanied by 19 warships, fighter jet squadrons, air defense units and paratroopers.

The deployment period of army and navy members has also been extended. Whereas earlier, the period of duty of many units was 9 months, now it has been extended to 12 months.

In some cases, some units have been in the Middle East for more than a year. This long-term deployment is also putting additional pressure on US military personnel, their families and military equipment.

The Trump administration is now increasing economic pressure in addition to military operations. Efforts have been made to tighten economic sanctions to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear program and return to the negotiating table. Trump has claimed on social media that the US has almost complete control over the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran is heading towards an inevitable end in the face of economic collapse.

Meanwhile, with the November midterm elections ahead, there are concerns among Trump’s aides about the political impact of a wider war. However, Trump has said that he is not making war-related decisions with the elections in mind.

In the meantime, Trump warned on Wednesday that Washington is ready to attack Iran again at any time. He claims that Iran is unable to take any action without US surveillance.

In addition to military pressure, the US has also taken steps to tighten economic sanctions on Iran. At the same time, Washington has announced sanctions on countries that have trade relations with Tehran.

The decision to extend the deployment of US troops and military equipment in the Middle East until 2027 indicates that the US military presence around Iran is likely to be prolonged rather than quickly ended.

Sources: NDTV, The Wall Street Journal