U.S. Plans Ground Operations in Iran
The Pentagon appears to be gearing up for weeks of possible ground operations in Iran. This includes special operations and limited infantry missions. U.S. forces, particularly Marine Expeditionary Forces currently in the region, are preparing for what could be a more intense phase of Operation Epic Fury, as reported on Saturday.
According to U.S. officials, the discussions do not suggest a full-scale invasion. Instead, the focus is on targeted ground missions using a mix of special operations personnel and conventional infantry.
Plans being considered have been in the works for several weeks and may involve operations around Kharg Island, which is crucial for Iran’s oil exports. Additionally, there are discussions about conducting raids on coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at neutralizing threats to navigation through this vital waterway.
As of Saturday, it was still uncertain if President Donald Trump would endorse any of these options. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt emphasized that this planning process reflects routine military readiness. She pointed out that it is the Department of Defense’s responsibility to prepare various options for the commander-in-chief, but this doesn’t mean a decision has been made.
Levitt had also cautioned earlier in the week about the need for the administration to avoid any miscalculations. She mentioned that Trump is prepared to “unleash hell” if Iran does not cease its nuclear ambitions.
In a separate statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the president indicated the U.S. could meet its objectives “even without ground forces.” However, he affirmed the necessity of preparing for various scenarios as the situation develops.
Internal discussions reportedly focus on areas like Kharg Island and Iranian coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The goals target capabilities that might jeopardize safe navigation in this strategic region. Some officials believe operations could take “weeks, not months,” while others suggest plans might extend longer, with U.S. forces facing threats from drones, missiles, and other forms of attack.
These discussions align with prior signals that the Pentagon is considering a scale-up of operations designed to secure maritime and strategic interests should diplomatic efforts fail, especially given ongoing pressures in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the military posture in the region is strengthening, with additional air, sea, and land resources being deployed. Over the weekend, more than 3,500 U.S. troops arrived in the Middle East, including approximately 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit on the USS Tripoli as part of an amphibious response group. Furthermore, troops from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit have also been redirected to the area, amid considerations for deploying up to 10,000 extra combat personnel.
The buildup also incorporates elements of the elite 82nd Airborne Division, currently positioned for a broader contingency response that might involve ground operations.
As mentioned in reports, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit recently underwent training for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense, indicative of concerns about potential hazards within Iran.
According to U.S. Central Command, over 11,000 targets have been struck since Operation Epic Fury commenced on February 28, illustrating the operation’s scale as it approaches its fifth week. This update arrives as Iran continues to strike U.S. positions and allied infrastructure across the region, injuring American personnel at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, tensions are escalating along critical shipping routes related to the conflict.
The situation intensified over the weekend when Iranian-aligned Houthi forces launched missiles at Israel, indicating their involvement in the conflict and raising fresh concerns about threats to crucial maritime chokepoints like Bab el-Mandeb, alongside persistent pressures in the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition, it’s reported that the Pentagon’s ground strategies have been extensively rehearsed, with warnings from a former senior defense official that the main challenge will not be to capture territory but to ensure the safety of U.S. forces during deployment.
All of these factors, along with the arrival of the Marine Expeditionary Forces and the ongoing military buildup, suggest a pivotal moment in operations, influenced by President Trump’s forthcoming decisions and the Iranian government’s response to rising military and diplomatic pressures.
