Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division stand in formation in the town square of Sainte Mere Eglise, France, in June 2019. US officials approved written deployment orders late Tuesday, the second source familiar with the matter told CNN on Wednesday. The brigade will be the “ready unit” in the Middle East, prepared to be called upon if needed, the source said. The 82nd Airborne Division made a similar movement in 2020 after the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. Still, amid the talks, thousands more US forces are coming to the region in addition to the 82nd Airborne.

Source: CNN March 26, 2026 18:44 UTC