Pentagon Plans Protracted Ground Operation in Iran, Not Full-Scale Invasion

The U.S. Department of Defense is preparing plans for a ground operation in Iran that could last for several weeks or months, according to reports. The strategy reportedly involves targeted raids by special operations forces and conventional infantry units rather than a full-scale invasion.

American officials indicated that any potential military action would not constitute a massive invasion force. Instead, the operational concept focuses on coordinated raids conducted jointly by elite special forces and regular infantry.

As of late March, it remained unclear whether President Donald Trump would approve any of the Pentagon's proposed plans. Analysts note that such an operation would expose U.S. Military personnel to multiple threats, including Iranian drones, ground fire, and improvised explosive devices.

The planning coincides with increased U.S. Military presence in the region. The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli recently arrived in the Middle East, carrying approximately 3,500 sailors and Marines as part of its complement.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have been escalating for approximately one month, marked by exchanges of strikes. This heightened conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global chokepoint for oil and liquefied natural gas exports from Arab nations.