Senior US military officials are considering deploying a combat brigade from the 82nd Airborne Division to support operations in Iran.
The forces, about 3,000 soldiers, would come from the division's 'Immediate Response Force', capable of deploying worldwide within 18 hours.
The deployment could be done to seize Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export hub, with another possibility being an attack by 2,500 troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Former US commanders suggest the Marines could be brought in first to repair damaged airfields, followed by the Air Force transporting matériel and supplies, and troops if necessary.
