US is preparing for a ground operation in Iran

These options involve ensuring the safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz—a mission that will be carried out primarily using air and naval forces, according to Reuters.

However, securing the strait could also mean deploying U.S. troops along Iran’s coastline.

Discussions are underway in Washington regarding the deployment of ground troops to the island of Kharg, through which 90% of Iran’s oil exports pass and which is critical to the country’s economy.

Officials are considering the possibility of deploying special operations forces to seize Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium. At the same time, sources emphasize that a ground operation will not begin immediately.

"At present, no decision has been made to send ground troops, but President Trump is wisely keeping all options open. The President is focused on achieving all the defined objectives of Operation Epic Fury: destroying Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, destroying its navy, ensuring that its terrorist proxies cannot destabilize the region, and guaranteeing that Iran will never be able to possess nuclear weapons,” a White House spokesperson said.

The use of ground troops poses significant political risks for Trump due to low public support for this military campaign among Americans and his campaign promises to avoid new protracted conflicts.

According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), since the start of hostilities, U.S. forces have carried out more than 7,800 strikes and damaged or destroyed more than 120 Iranian vessels.

The U.S. force currently numbers about 50,000 troops in the Middle East. An expeditionary Marine Corps unit of more than 2,000 personnel is scheduled to arrive there next week. The U.S. Navy is losing a significant portion of its forces due to the decision to send the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to Greece for maintenance following a fire on board.

Photo: Petty Officer 1st Class Marton Anton Edgil.