More than 50,000 US troops are currently stationed in the Middle East, but this force is not enough for a large-scale ground operation. At the same time, the US allowed a Russian oil tanker to head to Cuba despite its blockade policy.
US troops in the Middle East
Over 50,000 American troops are now deployed across the Middle East. This is about 10,000 more than usual, according to The New York Times. The forces are currently in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait.
The increase comes amid the escalation of the war with Iran. The U.S. recently sent 2,500 Marines and another 2,500 sailors to the region. However, this number does not include 4,500 personnel aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford. The carrier left the area after a fire and sailed to Crete on March 23. It arrived in Croatia on March 27, and its route remains unclear.
Last week, the Pentagon ordered the deployment of around 2,000 additional troops. US officials told The NYT that Trump is considering expanding the operation. One option could involve seizing Kharg Island or another strategic location to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Outlook for a possible operation
The exact location of US airborne forces is unknown, but they remain within Iran’s reach. Military experts say 50,000 troops are not enough for a major ground campaign. For comparison, Israel mobilized more than 300,000 troops for operations in Gaza in 2023. The US-led coalition that invaded Iraq in 2003 had about 250,000 personnel.
Iran has a population of around 93 million. Experts cited by The NYT say a force of 50,000 would not be enough to capture and hold a country of that size.
Russian tanker heads to Cuba
A Russian-flagged oil tanker has reached Cuba and may arrive at its destination by Monday evening, March 30, according to The New York Times. The US allowed it to pass despite its oil blockade.
If the tanker delivers oil, it could ease Cuba’s economic crisis. Since January, Donald Trump has enforced an oil blockade around the island and warned countries against supplying fuel. Earlier this month, he said Cuba could be the next target after Iran. It remains unclear why the White House did not stop the tanker or whether it will continue allowing Russian oil shipments.
“We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload, because they need — they have to survive. I told them, if a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem with that. Whether it’s Russia or not,” Trump told reporters on March 29.
However, he added that Cuba is “finished” and that a single tanker would not have a significant impact.
The Russian embassy in Mexico said that Russia stands in full solidarity with Cuba. It called all restrictions against the island illegitimate and said it is ready to provide any necessary assistance, including material support.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Russia had already sent two tankers carrying oil and gas to Cuba amid the US energy blockade.
