The United States may consider sending thousands of additional troops to the Middle East as tensions are rising with Iran, media reported on Wednesday.

Reuters quoted two U.S. officials as saying that the Deparment of Defense is mulling a request made by U.S. Central Command.

The requested troops would be defensive in nature, one of the officials said.

The Associated Press also quoted officials as saying that the Pentagon will suggest to the White House sending up to 10,000 more troops to the region.