Report: Pentagon Preps Weeks‑Long Ground Ops in Iran as U.S. Marines Arrive in Theater

The Pentagon is preparing for what could become weeks-long ground operations inside Iran — including Special Operations raids and limited infantry missions — as U.S. forces, including a Marine expeditionary unit now in theater, continue to build up for a potentially more dangerous next phase of Operation Epic Fury, according to a report published Saturday.

U.S. officials told the Washington Post that the plans under discussion would stop short of a full-scale invasion and instead center on targeted ground missions involving a mix of Special Operations forces and conventional infantry. The report said the planning, underway for weeks, has included possible operations involving Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub, as well as raids on coastal positions near the Strait of Hormuz targeting capabilities used to threaten freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

It remained unclear Saturday whether President Donald Trump would approve any of the options being prepared. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the planning reflects standard military preparation, stating, “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 warned earlier this week the regime “should not miscalculate again,” adding that if Tehran refuses to recognize that it has been defeated and abandon its nuclear ambitions, President Trump is “prepared to unleash hell.” Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday the United States can achieve its objectives “without ground troops,” while stressing the president must remain prepared for multiple contingencies as the situation continues to evolve. (Read More)