New Delhi: The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for potential weeks-long ground operations in Iran, including targeted raids on Kharg Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz, as the conflict in the Middle East enters its fifth week, according to The Washington Post.
Citing unnamed US officials, the report indicates that plans could involve special operations and conventional infantry troops. However, it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump would approve such military actions. The plans are understood to stop short of a full-scale invasion.
The US administration is considering the seizure of Kharg Island, which hosts Iran’s largest oil terminal, and conducting raids on other coastal sites to locate and neutralize weapons capable of threatening commercial and military shipping in the region. One source suggested that these objectives might take “weeks, not months,” while another indicated a timeline of “a couple of months.”
A former senior defense official familiar with US military planning told the Post that the plans are extensive and have been war-gamed, emphasizing that this is not last-minute preparation. The official stated that seizing Iranian territory could embarrass the regime and serve as valuable leverage in future negotiations, but highlighted the significant challenge of protecting US forces once on the ground.
“The difficult part is providing cover for troops on Kharg Island. Seizing it isn’t the challenge — protecting your forces once they are there is,” the official said.
Kharg Island, which accounts for around 90% of Iran’s crude exports, was targeted earlier this month in US airstrikes, with former President Donald Trump describing it as a “crown jewel” for Tehran. The potential operation aims to find and destroy weapons to prevent their use against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route that Iran has effectively blocked since the conflict escalated.
While Trump has signaled a cautious approach, White House officials have emphasized that preparations are ongoing. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump is “prepared to unleash hell” if Iran refuses to accept a negotiated settlement, though she clarified that no decision has been made.
The US has recently increased its military presence in the region, with 3,500 Marines and sailors arriving aboard the USS Tripoli, marking the largest deployment in the Middle East in over two decades. The deployment includes aircraft and amphibious assets, underscoring the growing US military footprint amid heightened tensions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the US can achieve its objectives without ground troops, even as reports of potential operations continue to circulate.
As the situation develops, the US continues to maintain a posture of readiness, with officials weighing options that could significantly impact the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.