U.S. Deploys More Troops to Gulf as Iran Ceasefire Nears Deadline

The Trump administration has announced the deployment of up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East, bringing the total regional presence to approximately 60,000 personnel. The surge is intended to bolster the enforcement of the naval blockade on Iranian ports and prepare for potential ground operations should diplomatic efforts fail before the current ceasefire expires this coming Tuesday. Despite the military buildup, global energy markets have shown signs of stability as traders react to President Trump’s optimistic statements regarding a potential end to the hostilities. In Tehran, military officials have characterized the ongoing U.S. blockade as a direct violation of current truce agreements. Iran has threatened to retaliate by deploying drifting mines or implementing a "toll system" in the Strait of Hormuz, although non-Iranian commercial traffic currently continues to transit the waterway without interference. Diplomatic back-channels facilitated by Pakistan are reportedly exploring a two-week extension of the ceasefire, though Iran continues to reject U.S. demands regarding uranium enrichment and maritime policing rights. On the domestic front, the White House faces mounting pressure from congressional critics. Senate Democrats are expected to introduce a War Powers resolution as early as Wednesday, aiming to force an end to the blockade and mandate greater transparency. While the resolution is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled chamber, it signals a growing appetite for a formal debate on the legality and scope of the administration's current military posture in the Gulf.