THE US military is drawing up plans for possible ground operations in Iran that could stretch over several weeks, as thousands of American troops move into the Middle East, according to a report on Saturday.
The deployments come as President Donald Trump weighs his options, though no final decision has been made.
Officials familiar with the planning say any potential mission would stop short of a full-scale invasion.
Instead, it could involve targeted raids carried out by Special Operations units alongside conventional ground forces.
Note that Iran has mobilised more than one million fighters in preparation for a potential ground confrontation with the United States, according to a report by Tasnim News Agency citing a military source.
The Iranian source said there has been a surge in volunteerism, with young Iranians seeking to join military formations.
Ground operations would not be without risk. Troops could face a range of threats on the ground, including drone and missile strikes, small-arms fire, and improvised explosive devices.
A White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stressed that these preparations are part of routine contingency planning.
She noted that the Pentagon’s role is to ensure the president has a wide range of options available, and that no course of action has been approved so far.
Among the scenarios being discussed are strikes on Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iran’s oil exports, as well as coastal operations near the Strait of Hormuz aimed at securing shipping routes and neutralising potential threats.
Timelines for any mission remain uncertain. Some officials believe operations could last a matter of weeks, while others suggest they might extend into a couple of months.
Trump has previously downplayed the likelihood of deploying troops, saying he has no intention of sending forces into Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also indicated that any conflict would be limited in scope and may not require ground forces to achieve its objectives.
Since the conflict began in late February, attacks across the region have resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members, with more than 300 others injured, according to officials.
Back home, public sentiment appears divided. A recent poll found that 62% of respondents oppose sending ground troops into Iran, while only 12% are in favour. —Mar 29, 2026
Main image: Independent
