The U.S. is weighing the deployment of thousands of troops to the Middle East as the war with Iran enters a possible new phase, Reuters reports, citing U.S. officials.

•⁠ ⁠Military options under consideration include securing safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, primarily through air and naval forces.

•⁠ ⁠Additional plans being discussed include deploying forces to Iran’s Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90% of the country’s oil exports.

•⁠ ⁠No final decision has been made, with officials saying all options remain on the table as the U.S. evaluates next steps in the conflict.