United States Considering Deployment of Thousands of Troops to Strengthen Military Operations in the Middle East

The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate. According to U.S. sources, at least five E-2D “Advanced Hawkeye” early warning aircraft have arrived at the usual transit point for U.S. military planes heading to the Middle East. U.S. officials and informed sources reveal that the Trump administration is considering deploying thousands of troops to strengthen its military operations in the Middle East.

At least five U.S. early warning aircraft deployed to the Middle East

According to U.S. reports on the 17th, at least five E-2D “Advanced Hawkeye” early warning aircraft have arrived in the Azores, Portugal, a common transit point for U.S. military flights heading to the Middle East. The E-2D “Advanced Hawkeye” has advanced “look-down” capabilities, capable of detecting drones, low-altitude cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, and even potential maritime threats. It is one of the most sensitive airborne radar platforms in the U.S. military’s current equipment for low-altitude target detection.

U.S. officials: Trump administration considers deploying thousands of troops to the Middle East

Additionally, on the 18th, a British report stated that a U.S. official and three informed sources indicated that the Trump administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to bolster its military operations in the Middle East. It is known that the Trump administration has discussed the possibility of deploying ground forces to the Iranian oil export hub of Kharg Island. However, one official pointed out that such actions carry extremely high risks, and deploying ground troops could also pose significant political risks for Trump.

U.S. Department of Defense requests over $200 billion in war funding

According to U.S. reports on the 18th, the U.S. Department of Defense has requested the White House to approve a funding package exceeding $200 billion. A senior government official said this funding would be used to “urgently increase the production of key weapon systems” to replenish munitions consumed during military operations against Iran. It is understood that this funding request will be submitted to Congress after White House approval, but some White House officials believe the likelihood of Congress approving it is low.

Iranian Foreign Minister: “Israel First Tax” will impact the U.S. economy

On the 19th, Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian stated on social media that the U.S. Department of Defense’s proposed over $200 billion in military funding for Iran operations is “just the tip of the iceberg.” The conflict will increase the economic burden on the U.S., mainly to support Israeli interests. The American public should “thank” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies in Congress because a trillion-dollar “Israel First Tax” is about to hit the U.S. economy.

According to previous U.S. reports, to counter Iran’s missile and drone attacks, the U.S. military has used large quantities of interceptors such as the THAAD and Patriot systems. On the 15th, Kevin Hasset, director of the White House National Economic Council, estimated that the Iran conflict has already cost the U.S. over $12 billion.

(Source: CCTV News)