Did US deploy paratroopers to Israel to seize Iran’s Kharg Island? Is Trump’s peace initiative merely a deception?

The United States has reportedly sent soldiers from its 82nd Airborne Division to Israel. According to a report by independent American journalist Ken Klippenstein, the deployment is linked to military plans involving Iran’s Kharg Island.

The US had publicly announced in March that elements of the 82nd Airborne Division were being sent to the Middle East. However, it did not reveal that some of these troops would be stationed in Israel. Klippenstein, citing military sources, claims that American soldiers have already arrived there.

According to one source involved in military planning, the deployment is connected to new US-Israeli contingency plans completed after February. The plans reportedly include the possible seizure of Kharg Island and control of parts of Iran’s coastal region.

The 82nd Airborne Division is the US Army’s main rapid-response force and is specially trained to deploy by parachute into hostile territory.

Why Were Troops Sent to Israel?

According to the report, Israel was chosen because deploying troops there does not require permission from another Middle Eastern country or the establishment of a new military base.

The report also suggests that a direct US-Israeli operation could raise difficult questions for America’s Gulf Arab partners, particularly regarding logistical support. Using troops based in Israel would allow operations to be launched without needing approval from Gulf states.

Secret Deployment Order Revealed

A military deployment order dated 7 April reportedly instructed parts of the 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, known as the “Geronimo” Battalion, to undertake temporary duty in Israel.

This deployment had not previously been reported publicly. The Pentagon has not responded to questions about the number of troops sent to Israel. However, a March report by the New York Times said that senior military officials were considering deploying a combat brigade from the 82nd Airborne Division to support possible US military operations involving Iran.

The brigade would likely come from the division’s Immediate Response Force, a unit of around 3,000 troops capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours. The report suggested that these forces could be used in an operation targeting Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.

Intelligence Cooperation Between the US and Israel

The report also raises questions about why US officials have been cautious about publicly discussing Israel’s role. One reason may be the unique military relationship between the United States and Israel. Another is the growing intelligence cooperation between the two countries.

According to the report, efforts are underway to deepen intelligence-sharing arrangements, with some discussions focused on bringing Israel closer to the intelligence network known as the “Five Eyes”, which currently includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Questions Over Future US Plans

The report argues that openly acknowledging Israel’s role would highlight how closely US and Israeli military planning is coordinated regarding Iran. It also claims that Charlie Company of the 2nd Battalion remains in Israel and that little information has emerged about its activities over the past two months.

As a result, questions remain about whether the United States is still considering the possibility of deploying ground troops in an operation involving Iran.

The report also speculates about whether ongoing diplomatic efforts, including those associated with President Donald Trump, could coexist with military planning in the region.

Important Note

The claims in this report are based on information provided by unnamed military sources and reporting by journalist Ken Klippenstein. The US government and the Pentagon have not publicly confirmed many of the allegations described above.