According to informed officials at the U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East to provide President Trump with more military options as he weighs his options for negotiations with Iran. This force, which may include infantry and armored vehicles, would join the approximately 5,000 Marines and thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division already deployed to the region. It is unclear exactly where these troops will be deployed in the Middle East, but it is likely to be positioned within range capable of striking Iran and its Kharg Island. Trump has repeatedly stated that he will open the Strait of Hormuz, with or without the help of U.S. allies. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that all announcements regarding troop deployments will be issued by the Department of Defense. As we have said, President Trump always maintains control over all military options. A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military forces in the Middle East, declined to comment. (Wall Street Journal)