The U.S. military is preparing for a possible new phase of the conflict with Iran, with Pentagon officials drawing up plans that could involve American ground forces operating inside the country.
According to officials who spoke to The Washington Post, the plans stop short of a full-scale invasion but could further weaken the regime’s grip on power.
The plan is currently for targeted operations involving Special Operations units and conventional troops.
Thousands of U.S. personnel have already been deployed across the Middle East.
BREAKING: The Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran -WaPo pic.twitter.com/trdeOHh2do
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 29, 2026
Any ground mission would expose them to heightened risks, including Iranian drone strikes, missile attacks and improvised explosives.
The final decision now rests with President Trump, who has not yet approved any escalation and has repeatedly stated his intention to “wind down” the conflict.
“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said:
“It does not mean the President has made a decision.”
Leavitt recently said the president is “prepared to unleash hell” if Iran continues its nuclear activities and threats against U.S. interests.
Military planners have examined several potential targets, including a takeover of Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub in the Persian Gulf.
Other proposals involve strikes along the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at neutralizing weapons systems used to threaten shipping routes that are undermining the energy sector and damaging the global economy.
Officials are maintaining that any operation would likely be limited in duration. Estimates range from a few weeks to several months.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has downplayed the likelihood of a prolonged war, arguing the U.S. can achieve its objectives “without ground troops.”
NOW – Reporter: “Are you afraid of a U.S. invasion in your country?”
Araghchi: “No, we are waiting for them.”
Reporter: “You are waiting for the U.S. military to invade, the ground troops?!”
Araghchi: “Yes!” pic.twitter.com/0L0cNXLopd— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 5, 2026
However, reports have circulated suggesting additional deployments are under consideration, potentially adding thousands more troops to the region.
The conflict has already taken a toll. Thirteen U.S. service members have been killed in recent weeks, including casualties linked to a plane crash in Iraq and a drone attack in Kuwait.
Meanwhile, a further 300 have been wounded in retaliatory strikes across multiple countries in the region.
Public support for a ground war remains limited. Polling indicates a majority of Americans oppose sending troops into Iran.
For now, the plans remain on the table, with the president yet to make a final decision.
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