The Pentagon is actively preparing for the possibility of extended ground operations in Iran, as thousands of American soldiers and Marines have recently arrived in the Middle East. These plans may include raids conducted by Special Operations forces as well as conventional infantry units, though it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will authorize such actions.
In a significant development, the Trump administration has already deployed U.S. Marines to the region, with the USS Tripoli, carrying 2,500 Marines, having reached its operational zone. Additionally, plans are underway to send thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to bolster forces in the area.
The U.S. Central Command has reported that since the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, more than 11,000 targets within Iran have been struck. Despite the military buildup, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Washington aims to achieve its goals without committing ground troops, while also preparing for any rapidly changing scenarios on the ground.
President Trump is reportedly considering a ground assault to seize Kharg Island, a critical Iranian oil hub located approximately 16 miles off Iran’s northern Gulf coast and about 300 miles northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. The island is strategically important as it handles 90% of Iran’s oil exports and is situated in deep waters that accommodate large tankers unable to dock along Iran’s shallow mainland coast.
Military analysts caution that while capturing Kharg Island could be executed swiftly, it might expose U.S. forces to significant risks and potentially extend the conflict rather than bring it to a swift conclusion. U.S. officials are weighing the risks and benefits of deploying ground forces to the island, with two Marine contingents expected to arrive by the end of the month and additional airborne troops planned to provide President Trump with a range of operational options.
