The United States Department of War has ordered the deployment of about 2,000 American paratroopers to the Middle East as President Donald Trump continues to weigh both ground operations and diplomatic options in the ongoing war against Iran.

According to the New York Times, the soldiers would come from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division’s Immediate Response Force, a brigade of 3,000 soldiers ready for deployment anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

Some officials told The Times under condition of anonymity that Major-General Brandon Tegtmeier, the division commander, dozens of his staff, and two battalions, each with about 800 soldiers, are part of the contingent ordered to begin moving to the Middle East.

Along with the 4,500 Marines already on their way to the Middle East, the deployment of the Army paratroopers brings the total number of additional ground troops dispatched to the war zone since the conflict started in February to nearly 7,000.

An estimated 50,000 military personnel across the Middle East, Europe and the United States are currently participating in the overall operation in Iran.

Furthermore, the Times said it is unclear exactly where the paratroopers are heading in the Middle East, but that it would be within striking distance of Iran, with discussions between Washington and Tehran to resolve the conflict progressing through third parties.

Reports said that Tehran has received a 15-point plan to end the war through Pakistan, whose army chief, Syed Asim Munir, has emerged as the key interlocutor between Iran and the United States.