PANews reported on April 15 that, according to the Washington Post, US officials stated the Pentagon will deploy thousands more troops to the Middle East in the coming days as the Trump administration attempts to pressure Iran into an agreement that could end weeks of conflict, while also considering further strikes or ground operations if the fragile ceasefire fails to hold. According to current and former officials, the troops entering the region include approximately 6,000 soldiers aboard the USS George aircraft carrier and its escort ships. Additionally, approximately 4,200 soldiers from the USS Boxer amphibious ready group and its 11th Marine Expeditionary Force are expected to arrive by the end of the month. With the two-week ceasefire expiring on April 22, the arrival of this additional firepower will likely join existing US warships in the Middle East. These troops will join the approximately 50,000 personnel the Pentagon previously stated were involved in operations against Iran.