By Theodore Bunker | Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, told Newsmax Tuesday that the deployment of U.S. ground troops to the Middle East provides President Donald Trump with additional military options against Iran.
The move indicates that Self does not believe the administration is preparing for a full-scale invasion of Iran.
Self, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs and House Veterans’ Affairs committees, stated on “National Report” that troop deployments are necessary for the president to maintain flexibility beyond airstrikes.
“Well, as you said, it gives the president options because you’ve got to have the troops in country,” Self said. “You do not defeat a nation with airpower alone. It is an axiom.”
Self noted that the limited number of forces being sent suggests Trump is not pursuing a broader war aimed at occupying Iran.
“I have no doubt that the president does not plan a full-scale invasion of Iran,” Self added. “That would be almost impossible with the number of troops he’s sending over there.”
Instead, Self said the troop presence could enable more limited operations, including activities in the Strait of Hormuz or related to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“So what is he going to do with them? Perhaps some of the islands in the strait; the uranium operation we’ve been discussing is very difficult,” Self explained. “It would be very hard to do. But he does have options with this limited number of troops.”
Self also emphasized that Trump does not intend to slowly expand the war through incremental troop commitments, as Lyndon B. Johnson did in Vietnam.
“Simply put, he’s not planning to deploy troops piecemeal into Iran,” Self said. “We do not want to do that.”
On Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s comments that the United States can meet its objectives without ground troops, Self stated the administration’s military posture remains focused on preparedness and preserving options should conditions change.
Self raised concerns that China and Russia could be aiding Iran through intelligence sharing. U.S. officials and allied assessments increasingly point to Russia—along with limited Chinese involvement—as providing support that enhances Iran’s battlefield awareness.
“Well, I believe they’re probably giving Iran intel on targets to hit because we know we’ve severely degraded their offensive capabilities,” Self said. “Yet, they’re still targeting Israel and our troops in the Middle East.”
“So I believe they’re giving them intelligence about targeting,” he added. “That would be the only thing that I think of any significance—it’s very important.”
Reports indicate Moscow has supplied Tehran with targeting data, including satellite imagery and information on U.S. military assets, enabling more precise strikes against American and allied positions. Recent incidents, such as a high-precision Iranian strike on a U.S. surveillance aircraft, have raised concerns that such intelligence may already be influencing operations, with some officials suggesting Russian reconnaissance played a role.
China’s role appears indirect but significant, with analysts citing support in surveillance technology, navigation systems, and broader intelligence cooperation that improves Iran’s defensive capabilities.
Self later shifted to domestic issues, urging the Senate to immediately take up the House-passed bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and the Transportation Security Administration.
“Well, frankly, the Senate needs to get back to Washington, D.C., right now and take up the House-approved bill,” Self said. “The House passed a bill to fund all of DHS to include ICE and CBP—this is what needs to happen.”
Self accused Democrats of withholding support for political reasons ahead of the midterm elections.
“The more chaos and confusion they sow across America, the better it is for them in the midterms,” Self stated.
He dismissed Democratic criticism of immigration enforcement, noting that some reforms being demanded are already in place.
“Don’t confuse ICE with TSA,” Self said. “TSA is paid by the president. But ICE agents are still doing their jobs.”
