---
title: "US Deploys Massive Reinforcements to the Middle East, 82nd Airborne Division Arrives! \"Bush\" Departs, Forming a Three-Carrier Posture, Rubio: \"End Line\" of Conflict Seen!"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/281328632.md"
description: "On March 31, the \"Bush\" carrier strike group departed from Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia and is expected to form a \"three-carrier\" posture with the \"Lincoln\" and \"Ford\" carrier strike groups already deployed in the Middle East. Meanwhile, thousands of U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division soldiers have arrived in the Middle East in phases. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated on the same day that the \"end line\" of the conflict with Iran has been seen"
datetime: "2026-04-01T08:25:56.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/281328632.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/281328632.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/281328632.md)
---

> Supported Languages: [简体中文](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/281328632.md) | [繁體中文](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/281328632.md)


# US Deploys Massive Reinforcements to the Middle East, 82nd Airborne Division Arrives! "Bush" Departs, Forming a Three-Carrier Posture, Rubio: "End Line" of Conflict Seen!

The United States is implementing a large-scale military buildup in the Middle East, with maritime strike forces and elite ground troops advancing simultaneously. Trump stated that the military operation against Iran could conclude within two to three weeks.

According to Xinhua News Agency, on March 31, the "George H.W. Bush" carrier strike group departed from Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia and is expected to form a "three-carrier" posture with the "Lincoln" and "Ford" carrier strike groups already deployed in the Middle East. Meanwhile, thousands of U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division soldiers have arrived in the Middle East in phases.

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated on the same day that the U.S. military has "basically destroyed" Iran's air force and navy and can "see the end line."

Earlier on the same day, Trump said that the military operation against Iran could end within two to three weeks, and the White House announced that he would deliver a national address on the Iran issue on April 1, Eastern Time.

## Three Carriers Assembled: Large-Scale Convergence of Maritime Strike Groups

According to information released by the U.S. Navy on March 31, as reported by Xinhua News Agency, the "Bush" carrier strike group, in addition to its flagship, is equipped with three "Arleigh Burke"\-class destroyers, with the entire strike group comprising over 5,000 sailors. Informed officials pointed out that due to the long voyage distance, the "Bush" may take several weeks to reach its destination.

As the "Ford" carrier is currently undergoing repairs in a Croatian port, the "Bush" is expected to first fill the gap of a "dual-carrier" presence before the three strike groups form a joint deployment posture in the Middle East.

Although the U.S. Navy has not disclosed the deployment destination of the "Bush," according to reports by U.S. media cited by Xinhua News Agency, the carrier strike group will be deployed to the Middle East region to participate in the U.S. military's operations against Iran.

## 82nd Airborne Division: Elite Ground Forces Deployed Simultaneously

According to CCTV News, two anonymous U.S. officials stated that thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division have also arrived in the Middle East in phases.

The 82nd Airborne Division maintains a standing "Immediate Response Force" of approximately 3,000 personnel, capable of deploying to any region globally within about 18 hours. Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, it is known for its ability to rapidly enter contested areas via airborne assault to execute missions and is part of the light infantry.

The synchronized deployment of ground forces indicates that the U.S. military's operation in the Middle East has moved beyond purely maritime and air strikes, with the overall scale of military commitment continuously expanding.

## Rubio Claims to See the "End Line," Trump Provides Time Estimate

Statements from senior U.S. officials suggest that they are still attempting to define the boundaries of the conflict. According to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated on March 31 that the United States has seen the "end line" of the conflict with Iran.

In an interview with Fox News Channel, Rubio said, "We can see the end line. It's not today, it's not tomorrow, but it's coming."

Rubio claimed that the U.S. military has basically destroyed Iran's air force and navy, is making progress toward destroying a significant portion of Iran's missile launchers, and is working to dismantle Iran's defense industry infrastructure for producing drones and missiles.

U.S. President Trump said earlier the same day that the United States could conclude its military operations against Iran within two to three weeks, "We will be leaving very soon." The White House announced that Trump would deliver a national address on April 1, Eastern Time, to provide an "important update" on the Iran issue.

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