US military prepares for potential extended ground operations in Iran

US Preparing for Limited Ground Operations in Iran

The 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 US officials quoted by The Washington Post, these plans fall short of a full invasion.

Details of the operation are still unclear, but it is reported that US personnel would be exposed to Iranian drones and missiles, ground fire, and improvised explosives. The White House press secretary has stated that the Pentagon’s preparations do not necessarily mean that President Donald Trump has made a decision on the matter.

The Trump administration has already deployed US Marines to the Middle East as part of the ongoing war in Iran. Additionally, thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne are expected to be sent to the region. On Saturday, approximately 3,500 additional soldiers arrived in the Middle East on board the USS Tripoli.

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 or a couple of months to complete.

Iran has yet to respond to reports of US plans for limited ground operations. Meanwhile, Pakistan is hosting talks between Washington and Tehran, with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt in attendance. The Iranian parliament speaker has warned of potential military action against regional countries that assist Iran’s enemies.

The Pentagon has not commented on the reports, while officials have stated that their preparations are intended to provide maximum optionality for the Commander in Chief.

Source: Al Jazeera