US considers Iran operation as Pakistan hosts regional peace talks focused on Hormuz

Coverage Comparison

Reports from international media on March 29 and April 10, 2026, depict two parallel developments: a significant US military build-up in the Middle East and a simultaneous diplomatic push hosted by Pakistan aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The Jerusalem Post, citing unnamed US officials, reported that "by early next week, the US military is expected to deploy sufficient ground forces to the Middle East to support a potential ground operation against Iran." A US official told the outlet, "All options are on the table. Everything depends on the president's decision."

In a separate report, Russia's state news agency TASS cited The Wall Street Journal, saying new fighter jets and attack aircraft had arrived in the region and that between 1,500 and 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division might be deployed in the coming days. The aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush and the USS Boxer with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit were also described as en route, though both would take over a week to arrive.

Neither outlet has independently confirmed the full operational details, and several claims—including the deployment of an additional 10,000 troops and a plan to seize Iran's Kharg oil island—appear in only one report. That plan, described as "among the options presented to the president," has not been corroborated by other sources.

Key Claims

• Ground force deployment: Multiple sources, including a US official cited by the Jerusalem Post, indicate ground forces are being moved to the Central Command area to support a possible operation. Exact timelines vary, with the Post reporting readiness by early next week and TASS/WSJ suggesting paratroopers could arrive in days.

• Additional troop levels: The Jerusalem Post reports that the administration is considering deploying 10,000 more infantry troops, a figure not mentioned in the TASS report. This claim has not been independently verified.

• Possible operations: A plan to seize Iran's Kharg oil island and conduct coastal raids near the Strait of Hormuz is among options presented to the president, according to a single US official cited by the Post. No other source has confirmed this specific contingency.

• Ceasefire announcement: US President Donald Trump announced on April 7 a two-week mutual ceasefire with Iran, per TASS/WSJ. The announcement was not reported by the Jerusalem Post, which focuses on ongoing military preparations.

• Iran's proposal: Washington views Iran's 10-point proposal as a working basis for further negotiations, according to TASS/WSJ. The proposal reportedly includes principles of non-aggression, Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, uranium enrichment within Iran, lifting sanctions, compensation, and withdrawal of US forces.

• Talks in Pakistan: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as mediator, invited both sides to negotiations on April 10, with direct talks expected. Iranian state media reported the talks would be direct, though a source familiar with negotiations told the Jerusalem Post earlier that only indirect exchanges were occurring.

• Diplomatic status: Iran has not yet responded to President Trump's "15-point proposal" delivered to Tehran, according to the Jerusalem Post. That proposal was not mentioned in the TASS report, which focuses on Iran's 10-point counterproposal.

Perspectives

The situation highlights contrasting viewpoints on the effectiveness of US military pressure. The Jerusalem Post's reporting, which leans on official US sources, frames the deployment as a necessary response to Iran's refusal to pursue a diplomatic path, suggesting escalation is possible. "If the Iranians do not pursue a diplomatic path, there will be escalation, including the possibility of a ground operation," two sources familiar with talks told the Post.

The TASS report, drawing on The Wall Street Journal and Trump's own statements, emphasizes that negotiations are proceeding despite the build-up. Trump cited Iran's willingness to open the Strait of Hormuz as a reason for the ceasefire, and Tehran agreed to cease "defensive attacks" provided no strikes are launched against Iran. This suggests a potential breakthrough, though the October 10 talks have yet to yield public results.

Analysts note that the dual-track approach—deploying forces while offering talks—may be intentional. As a senior US official told the Post, any ground operation would take "months" rather than "weeks" and would stop short of a full-scale invasion. A source familiar with negotiations said, "The talks are serious, but progress is very slow," noting deep Iranian suspicion of the United States.

No source has confirmed an official Pentagon announcement of these deployments, and the specifics of Iran's response to the 15-point proposal remain unclear. The coming days, as the April 10 talks proceed and additional forces arrive, will likely clarify whether the military build-up is a pressure tactic or the prelude to a larger operation.

This article is based on reports from The Jerusalem Post (March 29, 2026) and TASS (April 10, 2026), citing The Wall Street Journal. Further verification of individual claims is ongoing.