[Foreign Media: Trump Reportedly Considering Troop Increase in the Middle East, While Evaluating Ground Action Options] According to Reuters, cited by Jin10, one U.S. official and three informed sources stated that the Trump administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to strengthen its military operations in the Middle East. These deployments could provide Trump with more options as he weighs expanding actions. Sources indicated that ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz might involve deploying U.S. ground forces along Iran's coast. The Trump administration has also discussed deploying ground forces to Iran's Kharg Island and considered the possibility of sending U.S. troops to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. A White House official stated: "No decision has been made yet to deploy ground forces. The President is focused on achieving all the established objectives of Operation 'Epic Wrath.'" Sources noted that discussions about troop increases are not limited to an amphibious readiness group and its attached Marine Expeditionary Unit (approximately 2,000 Marines) set to arrive in the Middle East next week. However, one source pointed out that due to the USS Ford aircraft carrier being sent to Greece for repairs following a fire, the U.S. military will lose part of its force.