The possibility of a US ground operation in Iran is under active consideration, with the United States Department of Defense preparing multiple scenarios as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
According to a report by The Washington Post, US officials have spent weeks planning potential ground actions, even as the final decision remains with Donald Trump.
Officials warned that a US ground operation in Iran could mark a “new phase of the war,” significantly increasing risks for American forces compared to the past four weeks of conflict.
The proposed operations are not expected to involve a full-scale invasion. Instead, they may include targeted missions such as ambushes conducted by special operations forces and infantry units.
However, even limited engagements could expose troops to a wide range of threats, including drone strikes, missile attacks, ground fire, and improvised explosive devices.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt emphasized that planning does not equate to action, noting that the Pentagon’s role is to prepare options for the president.
“The Pentagon’s job is to ensure the Commander-in-Chief has the most optimal choices. That does not mean the President has made a decision,” she said.
Trump has previously stated that he would avoid deploying ground troops, adding uncertainty to the direction of US strategy.
Among the scenarios under discussion are operations targeting Kharg Island, one of Iran’s primary oil export hubs, and missions along the coast of the Strait of Hormuz to counter threats to international shipping.
Officials indicated that such operations could last from several weeks to a few months, depending on objectives and evolving conditions on the ground.
While military preparations continue, diplomatic signals from Washington suggest a preference for avoiding prolonged conflict.
Marco Rubio said a war with Iran would not necessarily require a long-term military commitment and could be resolved without deploying ground forces.
This contrast highlights ongoing debate within US leadership over the best course of action.
Since the conflict began in late February 2026, US forces in the Gulf region have suffered casualties. Officials report that 13 American personnel have been killed and more than 300 injured in various attacks.
Military analysts warn that any US ground operation in Iran would significantly increase these risks.
Michael Eisenstadt pointed to the vulnerability of troops to Iran’s drone capabilities, noting the dangers of operating in confined environments.
“I would not want to be in a small area with Iran’s ability to deploy large numbers of drones,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of mobility, describing agility as a key factor in protecting troops during operations.
Conflict escalation reshapes regional stability
Tensions have escalated sharply since the joint US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on February 28, which resulted in significant casualties, including the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Iran responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and US-linked sites across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting American military assets.
These retaliatory strikes have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and aviation routes.
Domestically, the prospect of a US ground operation in Iran has sparked debate. Polling data suggests that 62 percent of respondents oppose deploying ground troops, while only 12 percent support such action.
This division reflects broader concerns about the potential human and economic costs of deeper military involvement.
As the situation continues to evolve, the future of a US ground operation in Iran remains uncertain. While military planning is underway, the decision ultimately rests with the White House.
With risks escalating and global implications growing, the coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining whether the conflict intensifies or shifts toward a diplomatic resolution.
