US military prepares for extended ground operations in Iran

US Military Prepares for Limited Ground Operations in Iran

The US Pentagon has been preparing for weeks of limited ground operations in Iran, potentially involving raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz. According to officials quoted by The Washington Post, these plans could include special operations and conventional infantry troops.

The operation would expose US personnel to Iranian drones and missiles, ground fire, and improvised explosives. It is unclear whether President Donald Trump has approved any of these plans, as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Pentagon’s preparations are intended to provide maximum optionality for the Commander in Chief.

US Marines have been deployed to the Middle East, and thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne are expected to arrive soon. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that approximately 3,500 additional soldiers arrived in the region on board the USS Tripoli, along with support aircraft and amphibious assets.

Discussions within the administration have touched upon the possible seizure of Kharg Island and raids into other coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz. Officials estimate that these objectives could take several weeks to complete.

Iran has yet to respond to reports of US military plans. Pakistan is currently mediating between Washington and Tehran, hosting talks with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned on Sunday that Iran is prepared for a ground attack and will target regional partners who assist in such an operation.

Meanwhile, officials have stated that Iran could open a new front at the mouth of the Red Sea if military action takes place on “Iranian islands or anywhere else in our lands”.

Source: Al Jazeera