U.S. Ready for Ground Operations in Iran - Could Last Weeks to Months
The Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of weeks of ground combat in Iran, according to U.S. officials.
According to Washington officials, the deployment of forces is intended to prepare for a "new and more dangerous phase" should President Donald Trump authorize a ground maneuver. U.S. defense establishment estimates suggest such an operation could last from weeks to months, exposing troops to significant risks.
Targeted Operations, Not Full-Scale Invasion
While the Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of weeks of ground combat, sources told the Washington Post that the current plans do not involve a large-scale invasion. Instead, the strategy focuses on:
Targeted Actions: A combination of Special Forces and infantry.
Strategic Raids: Focused on Iranian targets along the coast and the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy Infrastructure: Scenarios include seizing Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub.
The administration emphasizes that these are "contingency preparations." However, military experts warn that U.S. forces would face major threats, including:
Iranian drone and missile strikes.
Ground-level fire and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Iran’s defensive posture, which they have termed a "graveyard for invaders."
There is mounting domestic opposition to a ground move. Polls indicate a majority of the American public opposes sending boots to Iran, and even within the Republican party, opinions are split.
The administration continues to send contradictory messages. While some officials hint at an "escalation toward a decisive move," Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. objectives could be achieved "without ground forces" and that the goal is not a prolonged war.
The central challenge, according to defense officials, is not the initial seizure of territory, but the ability to protect American troops in the aftermath against Iran's retaliatory capabilities.