Donald Trump spells out he can’t be trusted, not-so-subtly teases his secret war plan already in motion

President Trump denied that he would deploy additional U.S. troops to aid in his war in Iran, telling reporters he’s not putting forces “anywhere.” The president made the comments at the White House when asked directly about sending more service members to the Middle East. Per The Hill, he quickly followed up, however, with a telling remark: “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.” He also added that the U.S. “will do whatever’s necessary to keep the price” of oil down.

These extremely contradictory statements come as reports indicate the Trump administration is actively considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its ongoing operation in the region. Officials are reportedly weighing a mission to secure a safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. This would involve using the military’s air and naval forces.

Beyond securing shipping lanes, the administration has also discussed sending ground forces to Iran’s Kharg Island. This island is a pretty critical spot, housing an oil depot that handles 90% of Tehran’s oil exports. Another possibility on the table involves deploying U.S. forces to secure Iran’s stocks of highly enriched uranium. However, sources told Reuters that these deployments were not imminent.

I don’t know if Trump is weaponizing confusion or is just that confused

The discussions about potential troop deployments are happening while the U.S. military continues its intense bombing campaign against Iran. American forces have been hitting Iran’s navy, its missile and drone stockpiles, and its defense industry. According to the Pentagon, the U.S. has carried out more than 7,800 strikes since the start of the war. 

American forces have also struck over 90 targets on Kharg Island itself, though they’ve deliberately left the energy infrastructure intact. Interestingly, Trump named Kharg as a target, way back in the 80s. If Washington were to decide to seize Kharg, it would absolutely require U.S. boots on the ground. 

This would be a huge step, threatening more American casualties and very likely triggering an escalating response from Iran. We’ve already seen a tragic cost in this conflict. At least 13 service members have died, and 200 have been injured. 

The war is now nearing the end of its third week, and there’s no clear conclusion in sight. This is a far cry from Trump’s initial prediction that the conflict would last only four to five weeks. The White House is now set to ask Congress for a hefty $200 billion in supplemental funding for its military campaign. 

This massive request is certainly sparking alarms that the U.S. is further entrenching itself in a conflict that seems to be growing in scope and duration.