Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 29: The Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of weeks-long ground operations in Iran, signalling a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict as US forces continue to build up across the region.

According to officials, the emerging strategy does not involve a full-scale invasion but rather a series of targeted, high-impact missions. These would focus on swift raids by Special Operations forces and conventional infantry aimed at striking key military assets before withdrawing quickly.

The proposed operations are centred on dismantling Iran’s military capabilities, including missile launch systems, air defence networks and coastal installations threatening vital shipping routes.

Among the key locations under consideration is Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, a strategic oil export terminal. Seizing or blockading it could significantly impact Iran’s economy and create leverage in negotiations.

Other potential targets include positions near the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces have the capability to disrupt global shipping.

Beyond limited strikes, planners are also evaluating more aggressive options described as a potential “final blow”. These include combined ground and large-scale air operations targeting strategic assets.

Options reportedly include targeting Larak Island, capturing Abu Musa, and intercepting Iranian oil shipments. More extreme scenarios involve securing nuclear materials from facilities deep inside Iran, though such actions carry significant risks.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that escalation remains possible if diplomatic efforts fail.

The US has accelerated deployments, including Marine expeditionary units and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, enhancing rapid response capabilities and operational flexibility.
These deployments are designed to allow Washington to scale military action depending on how the situation unfolds.

Any ground operation would expose US forces to threats from drones, missiles and entrenched resistance from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Strategic sites such as Kharg Island could become heavily contested zones.

Experts note that mobility and speed would be critical to minimise exposure and avoid prolonged engagement.

Despite the preparations, uncertainty remains over whether President Donald Trump will authorise ground operations. While Trump recently stated he was not planning to deploy troops, officials suggest options remain on the table if diplomacy fails.

Iran has warned of strong retaliation if its territory is targeted, raising concerns that any escalation could widen the conflict across the region.

For now, the plans remain contingent, but with forces in place and multiple scenarios under consideration, the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping the trajectory of the conflict.