The White House is planning on deploying around 3,000 soldiers from the US army's elite 82nd Airborne Division to support Operation Epic Fury, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
According to two US officials, a written order for the troops' deployment is expected to be sent out later on Tuesday.
Officials also stated that the order does not confirm a decision being made by US President Donald Trump to put boots on the ground in Iran, though it presents several options for future action.
The 82nd Division’s combat brigade would be deployed along with the division's headquarters, the officials added.
Elite US army division able to deploy 3,000 troops within 18 hours
The 82nd Division can deploy about 3,000 troops anywhere in the world within 18 hours, and did so within 10 hours in 2020.
About two weeks ago, a large exercise planned for the division was canceled, raising speculation that it could be sent to the Middle East.
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.