The Pentagon is actively crafting plans that could see U.S. troops conducting ground operations inside Iran, according to multiple U.S. defense sources and media reports.
Military planners are reportedly developing scenarios for weeks‑long missions, potentially involving a mix of Special Operations forces and conventional infantry, though a full‑scale invasion has not been publicly approved.
Key strategic locations under consideration include Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub, and other coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial chokepoint for global energy shipments.
The unfolding plans come amid a broader buildup of U.S. forces in the Middle East. Thousands of Marines have already arrived, and plans to deploy units like the 82nd Airborne Division are reportedly underway to bolster U.S. readiness should a presidential decision be made.
Despite detailed contingency planning, it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump has authorized ground combat operations. White House officials have downplayed the likelihood of extended combat on Iranian soil, emphasizing that multiple options remain under consideration.
Reacting to the reports, public and political debate has intensified in the U.S., with lawmakers and Americans sharply divided over the risks of deeper military involvement. Many experts note that any ground action would carry significant danger due to Iranian drone, missile and ground threats — even if limited to targeted raids rather than full invasion.