WASHINGTON, March 30 (Reuters): Thousands ​of soldiers from the U.S. Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division have started arriving in the Middle East, U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday, as President Donald Trump weighs his next steps in the war against Iran.

Reuters first reported on March 18 that Trump's administration was considering deploying thousands of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East, a move that would expand options to include ​the deployment of forces inside Iranian territory.

The paratroopers, based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, add to the thousands ​of additional sailors, Marines and Special Operations forces sent to the region. Over the weekend, ⁠about 2,500 Marines arrived in the Middle East.

The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, did not say specifically where ​the soldiers were deploying to, but the move was expected.

The additional Army soldiers include elements of the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters, ​some logistics and other support, and one brigade combat team.

No decision has been made to send troops into Iran, but they will build up capacity for potential future operations in the region, one of the sources said.

Photo from Reuters