 "FILE PHOTO: The Pentagon logo is seen behind the podium in the briefing room at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Al Drago/File Photo")
The Pentagon is preparing plans for weeks of ground operations in Iran – potentially including raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz – though US President Donald Trump has not yet approved any deployment, the Washington Post reported on Saturday citing US officials.
Any ground operation would stop short of a full-scale invasion, instead involving raids by special operations forces and conventional infantry troops, the Post said, citing unnamed officials.
Such an operation could place US troops at significant risk, including threats from Iranian drones and missiles, ground attacks, and improvised explosive devices. It remained unclear on Saturday whether Donald Trump would approve any, all, or none of the Pentagon’s proposed plans.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned Iran on Tuesday that if the regime in Tehran does not end its nuclear ambitions and cease its threats against the United States and its allies, Trump is “prepared to unleash hell” against them.
“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 as quoted by The Post.
Thousands of US Marines arrive in West Asia
The United States has deployed thousands of additional troops to West Asia, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming that around 3,500 personnel have arrived aboard the USS Tripoli.
The forces, comprising sailors and marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, reached the region on March 27 along with transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets.
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View AllThe United States is also set to deploy the 82nd Airborne to West Asia in the backdrop of the Iran war.