WASHINGTON — As the war between the United States and Iran enters its fifth week, the Pentagon is reportedly making detailed preparations for ground operations inside Iran that could last several weeks, marking a potential escalation in the conflict. U.S. defence officials have drawn up a range of plans involving U.S. troops on the ground, even as political and diplomatic debates continue over how far the conflict should be taken.
According to U.S. military and defence sources, the plans — which still require approval from President Donald Trump — would not involve a full‑scale invasion, but could include targeted ground operations and raids carried out by a mix of Special Operations forces and conventional infantry units. Thousands of American troops, including Marines and Army airborne forces, have been deployed to the region to position forces for potential action.
What the Plans Entail
Pentagon planning documents reportedly focus on a set of limited engagements, such as raids on strategic Iranian targets, securing key infrastructure, and potentially positions near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — a crucial artery for global oil shipments. The plans emphasize speed and precision rather than a broad territorial conquest, but they still envision operations lasting weeks rather than days.
Despite the preparations, the Pentagon has stressed that there is no formal presidential decision yet to launch these operations. The White House has phrased the planning as ensuring that military options remain available, rather than signaling an imminent ground invasion. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that military planning is standard in a conflict and does not equate to a final decision.
Political and Regional Reactions
The possibility of U.S. ground operations has sparked strong reactions domestically and abroad. Within the U.S., lawmakers have expressed deep division: some argue limited ground missions could help degrade Iranian military capabilities and protect shipping lanes; others fear a prolonged conflict with high costs in both lives and resources.
Internationally, Iranian officials have issued stern warnings, asserting that any American troops entering Iranian territory would face fierce resistance, and dismissing U.S. negotiations as a cover for military action. Regional diplomats have continued attempting to broker a ceasefire, though progress has been limited amid rising hostilities and expanding fronts.
With global energy markets already feeling the strain from supply disruptions, and geopolitical tensions remaining sharply elevated, the coming days could prove pivotal in shaping whether the conflict escalates further or moves toward a negotiated halt.
