US considers limited ground operations in Iran amid escalating war

• US may deploy up to 17,000 troops for targeted operations, including airborne and Marine units.
• Potential targets include Kharg Island and nuclear facilities to weaken Iran’s military and economic capabilities.
• Escalation risks broader conflict despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The war in Iran is edging toward potential escalation as the United States weighs limited ground operations, despite earlier assurances by US President Donald Trump that no troops would be sent, according to French magazine L’Obs citing US media reports.

Read more: Pentagon prepares for weeks of ground operations in Iran

Plans under consideration involve deploying 2,000–3,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, around 5,000 Marines, and additional reinforcements possibly totaling 17,000 troops. Operations would focus on precise strikes and special missions rather than a full-scale invasion, targeting strategic locations such as Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iranian oil exports, and sites linked to Iran’s nuclear program.

Rising tension and mixed signals

While the administration maintains the possibility of diplomatic resolution, military officials continue to prepare for escalation. Iranian drone and missile attacks have exposed gaps in US defenses, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy supplies. Analysts note that US air strikes alone have not neutralized Iran’s ability to respond, highlighting operational challenges.

Read more: Russia warns of radiation risk from strikes on Iran nuclear sites

US President Trump’s reliance on rapid decision-making and fluctuating statements has drawn criticism, raising questions about Washington’s ability to manage a prolonged conflict. Experts warn that deploying ground forces carries high risks, including casualties, captured personnel, and potential expansion of the war across the region.

Iranian response

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of secretly planning a ground invasion while publicly pursuing diplomacy. He warned that Iranian forces are prepared to strike any US troops on Iranian soil and punish regional allies, framing the war as a “major global war” in its most dangerous phase.

Ghalibaf called for national unity, asserting Iran’s ability to retaliate and protect its sovereign interests, even as Washington considers further military escalation.

Military analysts caution that amphibious landings and targeted incursions are highly sensitive, even with US air superiority, and troops would face immediate threats from missiles and coastal defenses. The situation underscores the fragile balance between military action and diplomacy, with the potential for miscalculation raising the stakes for both sides.