Washington: The United States will be deploying additional troops to the Middle East, a Pentagon official announced, as the Trump administration engages in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict with Iran.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Pentagon has ordered approximately 2,000 soldiers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to move to the region. This decision increases the number of troops sent to the Middle East since the conflict began on February 28 to nearly 7,000. The deployment includes elements from the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters and the 1st Brigade Combat Team. The official noted that no further details are available due to operational security.

The troop movements coincide with reports of a peace proposal relayed by Pakistan from the Trump administration to Iran. The proposal includes demands regarding Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its uranium stockpiles. However, Iran has dismissed the proposal, insisting on negotiations under its own terms and timeline, as reported by Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency.

Despite Iran's rejection, Trump emphasized ongoing negotiations with Iran. The U.S. diplomatic efforts are driven by concerns over the economic impact of the conflict, particularly on oil prices and inflation, which are critical issues as the U.S. approaches midterm elections that could shift Congressional power.