WASHINGTON (VINNews) – — The Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East to expand military options for President Donald Trump as tensions with Iran continue, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

Defense officials familiar with the planning said the potential deployment comes as Trump weighs both military pressure and diplomatic efforts with Tehran.

Trump said Thursday he would pause strikes on Iran’s energy sector for 10 days, extending a previous deadline to allow more time for peace negotiations. He indicated the extension followed a request tied to ongoing talks, though mediators said Iran had not formally sought additional time.

In a possible signal of de-escalation, Iran recently allowed several oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a move Trump described as a positive step toward negotiations.

U.S. lawmakers are also preparing to weigh in, with the Senate Armed Services Committee expected to hold a hearing on the administration’s handling of the conflict after returning from recess in mid-April.

Regional tensions remain high. Israel said it carried out strikes targeting a senior Iranian naval commander linked to operations in the strategic waterway. Meanwhile, indirect communications between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing through intermediaries, including Pakistan, officials said.