US Sending More Forces to Middle East Amid Iran Conflict

Trump began the U.S. force build-up in the Middle East in January, in anticipation of hostilities with Iran.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (L) and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine (R) take questions on U.S. military action in Iran, at the Pentagon in Washington, on March 2, 2026. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

ARLINGTON, Va.—The U.S. military intends to send additional forces to the Middle East amid continuing hostilities against Iran, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine announced on March 2.

At a Pentagon press briefing, Caine said thousands of troops from all military branches have already participated alongside Israeli forces in the joint strikes against Iran.