The Pentagon is planning for potential ground operations in Iran involving Special Operations forces and limited infantry missions, while U.S. forces, including a Marine expeditionary unit, build up their presence. These plans, which could last for weeks, include targeted missions against key strategic locations, but do not involve a full-scale invasion. The decision rests with President Donald Trump, as the U.S. continues to monitor Iranian actions and prepares for various contingencies.
The Pentagon is currently formulating plans for potential ground operations within Iran that could span several weeks. These operations would encompass Special Operations raids and limited infantry missions, according to a recent report. Concurrently, U.S. forces are increasing their presence in the region, including a Marine expeditionary unit that has already arrived, preparing for a potentially more dangerous phase of Operation Epic Fury .
These preparations involve detailed planning and consideration of various operational scenarios, but according to sources, do not involve a full-scale invasion. Instead, the focus is on targeted ground missions that combine Special Operations forces with conventional infantry units. The planning, which has been ongoing for several weeks, includes potential operations focused on strategic locations. These include Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export hub, and coastal positions near the Strait of Hormuz. The latter operations would target capabilities that threaten freedom of navigation through the strategically vital waterway. The ultimate decision on whether to approve any of these options rests with President Donald Trump. White House officials have emphasized that the planning reflects standard military preparation, providing the Commander in Chief with the maximum range of options. The regime was warned not to miscalculate, as President Trump is prepared to take decisive action if Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear ambitions. U.S. officials have acknowledged the possibility of achieving objectives without the deployment of ground troops, however, the President must remain prepared for multiple contingencies. Internal discussions have extensively reviewed operations that may include Kharg Island and raids on Iranian coastal positions near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting capabilities that could threaten freedom of navigation. The objectives under consideration are estimated to take weeks, or potentially a couple of months. Any such missions would potentially expose U.S. forces to a variety of threats, including drones, missiles, ground fire, and improvised explosives. Escalation options are tied to securing key maritime and strategic targets in the event of diplomatic failure. The U.S. force posture in the region is continuing to build, with additional air, naval, and ground assets being deployed. Approximately 3,500 U.S. troops arrived in the Middle East, including the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and elements of the elite 82nd Airborne Division are forward-deployed as part of the contingency preparations tied to potential ground operations. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense drills during their deployment. This underscores concerns about potential hazards within Iran. U.S. Central Command announced that more than 11,000 targets have been struck since Operation Epic Fury began, highlighting the scale of the ongoing campaign. The update comes amid continued attacks by Iran on U.S. positions and allied infrastructure across the region, including an attack on American personnel at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Tensions have intensified along key transit corridors connected to the conflict. A missile was also fired toward Israel, raising concerns over threats to key maritime chokepoints, including the Bab el-Mandeb, along with ongoing pressure in the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon's ground planning has been extensively developed and war-gamed, with one former senior defense official stating that the primary challenge would not be seizing territory, but protecting U.S. forces once deployed. The report, combined with the arrival of Marine expeditionary forces and the broader buildup, suggests a potential turning point in the operation, with the next phase influenced by decisions by President Donald Trump and Iran's response to the growing military and diplomatic pressure
Iran Pentagon Military Operations Special Operations Operation Epic Fury Strait Of Hormuz
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