WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – The Pentagon is surging reinforcements including special-operations forces, fighter jets and bombers to the Middle East as President Trump weighs expanding U.S. operations against Iran following attacks that have killed American troops, according to officials familiar with the situation.

All three U.S. Air Force fighter wings based in Europe have deployed jets to the region in the past week, including F-16s from Germany and F-35s from the United Kingdom, a defense official said. The moves come as 17 U.S. soldiers have been killed and more than 420 wounded since the conflict began in February.

Trump is leaning toward expanding operations after receiving days of briefings from top national security aides, according to people briefed on the discussions. Options under consideration include intensified airstrikes, deploying ground forces to seize Iranian islands near the Strait of Hormuz, and striking a fortified site linked to Iran’s nuclear program, the officials said. No final decision has been made, and some advisers say Trump remains wary of committing ground troops.

The deployments represent a significant escalation in U.S. military posture in the region amid ongoing hostilities. Pentagon spokesman declined to comment on specific troop movements or operational planning.

The conflict, which erupted in February, has drawn the U.S. deeper into direct confrontations with Iranian forces and proxy groups. U.S. officials have described the deaths as resulting from Iranian-backed attacks.

Trump has not publicly detailed his thinking on next steps, but administration officials said he has demanded options that would deter further Iranian aggression while avoiding a prolonged ground war.