As the ongoing conflict in the Middle East enters its fifth week, the Pentagon is actively preparing contingency plans for possible ground operations inside Iran, including targeted raids on strategic coastal locations and the critical oil hub of Kharg Island.
According to a report by The Washington Post, later reported by several other publications, these plans involve a combination of special operations forces and conventional infantry units. However, the final decision on whether to execute such operations rests with Donald Trump, and officials indicate that approval remains uncertain. Notably, any potential deployment would fall short of a full-scale invasion.
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U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about… pic.twitter.com/JFWiPBbkd2
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 28, 2026
Strategic Focus: Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz
Discussions within the Trump administration reportedly include the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, which accounts for nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. The island has already been targeted in recent US airstrikes, with Trump previously calling it Tehran’s “crown jewel.”
Simultaneously, US military planners are evaluating raids along coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global shipping route that has been effectively disrupted by Tehran since the conflict began. The objective, according to officials cited in the report, is to locate and destroy weapons systems capable of targeting commercial and military vessels.
Timeline and Military Preparedness
Officials familiar with the planning suggest that such operations could last from several weeks to a couple of months. A former senior defense official emphasized that these scenarios have been rigorously “war-gamed” and are not being developed reactively.
“This is not last-minute planning,” the official reportedly said, adding that seizing Iranian territory could serve both as a strategic and psychological blow to the Islamic Republic, while also providing leverage in future diplomatic negotiations.
Operational Challenges: Holding Territory
Despite confidence in the feasibility of capturing targets like Kharg Island, US defense planners acknowledge that maintaining control would present significant risks.
Securing and protecting deployed personnel in hostile territory remains the most complex aspect of any operation. “Seizing it is not difficult. Protecting your forces once they are there is,” the former official noted, underlining concerns about prolonged engagement and counterattacks.
White House Signals Tough Stance, Keeps Options Open
While President Trump has recently hinted at the possibility of winding down military operations that began on February 28, the administration continues to project a hardline stance.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that the US is prepared to escalate if Iran refuses to agree to terms ending the conflict. She stated that the president is ready to respond forcefully if Tehran “miscalculates” the situation.
At the same time, Leavitt clarified that military planning does not equate to a final decision, emphasizing that it is the Pentagon’s responsibility to provide the Commander-in-Chief with a full range of options.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Washington could still achieve its objectives without deploying ground troops, highlighting internal differences over the necessity of escalation.
Massive US Military Buildup in the Region
Amid growing speculation, the United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, marking its largest regional buildup in over 20 years.
The US Central Command confirmed that approximately 3,500 Marines and sailors have arrived aboard the USS Tripoli, which reached the region after departing from its base in Japan.
The deployment includes advanced military assets such as Seahawk helicopters, Osprey transport aircraft, and F-35 fighter jets, underscoring the scale and readiness of US forces amid escalating tensions.
Diplomatic Uncertainty Amid Military Escalation
Despite the heightened military posture, President Trump has repeatedly claimed that progress is being made in talks with Iran. However, Tehran has denied that any formal negotiations are currently underway, leaving the diplomatic outlook uncertain.
With tensions persisting and military options actively under review, the coming weeks are likely to prove critical in determining whether the conflict escalates further or moves toward de-escalation.
