• Trump considers deploying troops to Middle East
  • Options include securing Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island
  • Deployment of ground forces could anger parts of Trump's base

President Donald Trump's administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its operation in the Middle East, as the U.S. military prepares for possible next steps in its campaign against Iran, said a U.S. official ​and three people familiar with the matter.

The deployments could help provide Trump with additional options as he weighs expanding U.S. operations, with the Iran war well into its third week.