The U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran are showing signs of escalation as they enter their eighth day. Washington is intensifying its threats against Tehran while seeking increased cooperation from European allies. Experts predict that if the conflict drags on, the U.S. may turn to its allies, including South Korea and Japan, for support.
U.S. ground troop deployment to Iran could significantly increase requests for allied support
President Donald Trump hinted at an expansion of military operations on his Truth Social platform, stating that Iran would face very intense strikes. He suggested that previously untargeted areas and groups are now being considered for total destruction, signaling a potential broadening of the conflict.
The war, which began on February 28, has seen extensive U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, with Tehran retaliating against U.S. military and diplomatic facilities in Israel and neighboring countries. The conflict appears to be spreading throughout the Middle East.
Military analysts suggest that if Iran adopts a strategy of defensive delay combined with retaliatory strikes, the U.S. may struggle to swiftly resolve the situation using only air and naval power. Some reports indicate that Russia may be providing intelligence support to Iran, potentially complicating U.S. efforts to subdue Tehran quickly.
After a ceremony honoring fallen U.S. service members at Dover Air Force Base, President Trump deflected questions about potential ground troop deployment while en route to Florida on Air Force One. He stated that he doesn’t want to discuss that. It’s not an appropriate question at this time.
Trump added that any ground troop deployment would require very compelling reasons, noting that if such action were taken, Iran would be so severely damaged it couldn’t mount an effective ground defense. He also mentioned the possibility of deploying troops to secure Iran’s enriched uranium, but emphasized that this option wasn’t currently under consideration.
Despite Trump’s cautious rhetoric, reports of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division canceling a major training exercise have fueled speculation about a potential rapid deployment to Iran.
The Washington Post reported that while the 82nd Airborne was conducting training in Louisiana, its command staff received orders to remain on standby at headquarters.
The 82nd Airborne Division, a rapid response force of 4,000 to 5,000 troops, is capable of various missions including securing key infrastructure, embassy protection, and supporting emergency evacuations. The unit has recent experience in Middle East operations, including bolstering security at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad before the 2020 operation against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander and the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
South Korea’s Potential Role in Conflict Under Scrutiny, Given its History of Non-Combat Support for U.S. Operations
The U.S. is prioritizing cooperation with European allies. In a recent meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump expressed frustration with the UK and Spain for refusing support, while acknowledging assistance from Germany and other European nations in the conflict with Iran.
However, major European powers like Germany, France, and the UK are advocating for a diplomatic resolution, preferring indirect support such as allowing use of air bases rather than direct intervention in U.S. strikes against Iran.
The focus on potential U.S. ground troop deployment stems from Washington’s history of requesting South Korean support during Middle East operations. Seoul’s past contributions have primarily been non-combat in nature.
South Korea’s previous support includes medical and air transport units during the 1991 Gulf War, the Zaitun Unit in the 2003 Iraq War, and the Oshino Unit in the 2010 Afghanistan War. These deployments focused on security, reconstruction, and medical support.
Given South Korea’s dependence on Middle Eastern energy resources and its diplomatic ties with Iran, analysts suggest that any future U.S. requests for troop support may be met with more limited responses than in the past.
There’s speculation that the Cheonghae Unit, currently conducting anti-piracy and vessel protection missions in the Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz, could be tasked with expanded operations to support U.S. efforts in protecting vessels or stabilizing maritime routes in the region.
Approximately 1,000 vessels are currently stranded in the Gulf region, with cargo valued at around 25 billion USD. Reports indicate that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has escalated actions against tankers following maritime blockades.
As U.S. and Israeli forces focus on air and sea strikes, concerns about munition depletion are rising. The U.S. has already relocated some guided bombs and air defense systems from South Korea to the Middle East, suggesting that prolonged conflict could lead to requests for South Korean weapon systems support.
When questioned about the potential redeployment of U.S. military assets from South Korea, a United States Forces Korea (USFK) official cited operational security, stating they couldn’t comment on specific asset movements or potential relocations.
In a recent parliamentary foreign affairs committee meeting, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin stated that the U.S. has not made any requests for military or non-military support or cooperation from South Korea regarding the current conflict.