US Rushing Fighter Jets, Special Operations Forces to Middle East as Trump Considers Expanding Conflict With Iran*US military is surging special-operations forces, jet fighters, and bombers to the Middle East, Trump considering expanding the conflict with Iran following attacks that killed US soldiers, WSJ* The Pentagon is rushing reinforcements to the Middle East as President Trump considers expanding operations against Iran, following American combat deaths in the conflict. All three US 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 UK. Seventeen US soldiers have been killed since the war began in February, with over 420 wounded. Trump is leaning toward expanding operations after days of briefings from top aides. Options include intensified airstrikes, ground forces seizing Iranian islands near the Strait of Hormuz, and bombing a fortified nuclear-linked site. No final decision has been made, and some officials say Trump is wary of ground troops.

The Pentagon is deploying special-operations forces, fighter jets and bombers to the Middle East as President Trump considers 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 deployments 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. No final decision has been made, and some advisers say Trump remains wary of committing ground troops.

The conflict, which erupted in February, has drawn the U.S. 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.