Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is quietly extending the deployment of US troops in the Middle East, acknowledging the possibility that the operation against Iran may not end this year, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources.

Nineteen US Navy ships, fighter squadrons, air defense units, and paratroopers are operating in the Middle East, the newspaper noted, adding that the prolonged deployment in the region is taking a toll on service members and preventing proper maintenance of military equipment.