The Pentagon is preparing for potential weeks-long ground operations inside Iran, according to reports, as U.S. forces increase their presence in the region.
President Donald Trump has not yet approved the plans and continues to weigh his options.
U.S. officials told The Washington Post that the plans would stop short of a full-scale invasion. Instead, they would focus on targeted missions involving Special Operations forces and conventional infantry.
Planning has been underway for weeks. Officials have discussed potential operations targeting Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s primary oil export hub. Other possible targets include coastal positions near the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.
Officials said these missions could last weeks and possibly extend to a couple of months. They warned that any ground presence would expose U.S. troops to serious risks, including drones, missiles, ground fire, and improvised explosive devices.
The preparations come as the U.S. increases its military presence in the Middle East. More than 3,500 troops arrived in the region on Saturday. That includes roughly 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed aboard the USS Tripoli.
Another amphibious group, including the USS Boxer and elements of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, has also been ordered to the region. The buildup includes elements of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, a rapid-response force trained to deploy quickly into global hotspots.
Officials have also considered sending up to 10,000 additional troops, adding to nearly 5,000 Marines and sailors and about 2,000 members of the 82nd Airborne already deployed.
It remains unclear whether Trump will approve any ground operations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the planning reflects routine military planning and does not signal a final decision.
“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision,” Leavitt said.
At the same time, the administration has issued strong warnings to Iran. Leavitt said earlier this week the regime “should not miscalculate again,” adding that if Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear ambitions, Trump is “prepared to unleash hell.”
Trump also warned Iranian leaders directly. In a Truth Social post, he said negotiators had better “get serious soon” about reaching a deal. He added, “there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!”
The potential ground operations follow weeks of escalating conflict. U.S. military action began on February 28 with joint U.S.-Israel strikes targeting Iranian military facilities and leadership.
Reports said the strikes targeted and killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with other senior officials.
Since then, U.S. Central Command reports that more than 11,000 targets have been struck as part of Operation Epic Fury. The campaign has now entered its fifth week.
Iran has continued attacking U.S. positions and allied infrastructure across the region. A recent strike wounded American personnel at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
The conflict has also expanded. Iranian-backed Houthi forces launched a missile toward Israel, raising concerns about threats to key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb.
Some officials argue that limited ground operations could secure strategic sites and reduce Iran’s ability to threaten shipping lanes. Former Pentagon official Alex Plitsas said controlling Kharg Island would weaken Iran’s economic position.
“It’s like taking a chess piece off Iran’s board and putting another bargaining chip in your pocket,” he said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States can achieve its objectives without ground troops. However, he said the president must remain prepared for multiple scenarios as the situation evolves.
The Pentagon’s planning and the growing military buildup point to a possible turning point in the conflict. The next phase now depends on Trump’s decision and how Iran responds to increasing pressure.