"Ground Intervention in Iran".. Trump Considering Reinforcing Forces in the Region

SadaNews - American officials have reported that President Donald Trump's administration is considering sending thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, as part of the military's preparation for the next phase of operations against Tehran.

Trump has not ruled out expanding the military operations to include limited ground intervention, which would represent a radical shift in his foreign policy.

According to the Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth", reinforcing American forces could expand Trump's military options, including escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a mission expected to rely primarily on naval and air forces, but could also require the deployment of troops along the Iranian coast.

The Israeli newspaper added that the reinforcement aims to provide the White House with broader military options, including securing navigation by deploying forces along the Iranian coast to support maritime and air operations in protecting oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

It further stated that Washington is considering sending ground troops to Kharg Island, the main artery for Iranian oil exports, where experts believe that controlling it gives Washington a stronger economic leverage than merely destroying its infrastructure.

One official told Reuters that such a deployment would be high-risk, given Iran's capability to target the island with missiles and drones.

Officials have also discussed deploying American forces within Iran to secure stocks of enriched uranium.

Sources indicated that such a move is not imminent and declined to discuss operational details.

Experts emphasize that securing Iranian uranium reserves would be an extremely complex and dangerous task, even for elite American special forces.

In a statement to Reuters, a White House official said: "No decision has been made regarding ground troops yet, but the president keeps all options open to achieve the objectives of Operation 'Epic Rage'."

The objectives of the operation, according to the source, include destroying Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, curbing Iranian naval power, cutting supplies to regional proxies, and ensuring Tehran does not acquire nuclear weapons.