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Pentagon Prepares for Potential Weeks Long Ground Operations in Iran
(MENAFN) The US Department of Defense is reportedly making contingency plans for possible ground engagements in Iran that could stretch over several weeks, as thousands of American troops continue to move into the Middle East. The preparations are underway but hinge on a final call from President Donald Trump, according to reports released Saturday.
According to officials, these preparations may signal “a new phase of the war” that could be “significantly more dangerous” for US personnel compared to the initial month of combat. The evolving strategy suggests a potential escalation beyond current operations.
Sources indicated that any ground involvement would not amount to a full invasion. Instead, it would likely consist of limited actions such as targeted raids carried out by Special Operations units alongside regular infantry forces. Those familiar with the planning emphasized that such missions would come with considerable risks.
They warned that American troops could face threats including “drones and missiles, ground fire and improvised explosives.”
“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality,” the White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. “It does not mean the President has made a decision.”
As part of the discussions, military planners have considered striking strategic locations such as Kharg Island, a vital hub for Iran’s oil exports, as well as conducting coastal operations near the Strait of Hormuz to counter maritime threats.
Timelines for these potential missions vary. Some officials suggested operations could last “weeks, not months,” while others estimated they might extend to “a couple of months.”
Despite the planning, earlier remarks from US leadership have signaled caution. Trump previously said, “I’m not putting troops anywhere,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that it “is not going to be a prolonged conflict” and could achieve objectives “without ground troops.”
Since the conflict began toward the end of February, officials report that 13 American service members have been killed and over 300 others injured in attacks throughout the region.
Meanwhile, domestic sentiment appears largely opposed to deeper involvement. Survey results indicate that 62% of respondents are against sending ground forces into Iran, while only 12% expressed support for such action.
According to officials, these preparations may signal “a new phase of the war” that could be “significantly more dangerous” for US personnel compared to the initial month of combat. The evolving strategy suggests a potential escalation beyond current operations.
Sources indicated that any ground involvement would not amount to a full invasion. Instead, it would likely consist of limited actions such as targeted raids carried out by Special Operations units alongside regular infantry forces. Those familiar with the planning emphasized that such missions would come with considerable risks.
They warned that American troops could face threats including “drones and missiles, ground fire and improvised explosives.”
“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality,” the White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. “It does not mean the President has made a decision.”
As part of the discussions, military planners have considered striking strategic locations such as Kharg Island, a vital hub for Iran’s oil exports, as well as conducting coastal operations near the Strait of Hormuz to counter maritime threats.
Timelines for these potential missions vary. Some officials suggested operations could last “weeks, not months,” while others estimated they might extend to “a couple of months.”
Despite the planning, earlier remarks from US leadership have signaled caution. Trump previously said, “I’m not putting troops anywhere,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that it “is not going to be a prolonged conflict” and could achieve objectives “without ground troops.”
Since the conflict began toward the end of February, officials report that 13 American service members have been killed and over 300 others injured in attacks throughout the region.
Meanwhile, domestic sentiment appears largely opposed to deeper involvement. Survey results indicate that 62% of respondents are against sending ground forces into Iran, while only 12% expressed support for such action.
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