Pentagon Prepares for Possible Ground Operation in Iran That Could Last Two Months

SadaNews - The Washington Post cited unnamed U.S. officials stating that the Department of Defense (Pentagon) is preparing to launch a possible ground operation in Iran, which may aim to occupy the Iranian island of Khark.

The newspaper reported that the operation under consideration could last two months and would not be a full-scale invasion, potentially limited to joint attacks by special operations forces and infantry units.

According to Al Jazeera's correspondent in Washington, Murad Hashem, potential objectives for the operation include seizing Khark Island, from which 90% of Iran's oil is exported, and which also gives Tehran the ability to halt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation also aims, according to Hashem's report from the American newspaper, to destroy Iranian weapons located along the Iranian coast, which President Donald Trump had previously declared would be destroyed completely.

The newspaper discussed the risks that American soldiers would face during the operation, while White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated that the Pentagon is presenting options to the president and that these preparations do not mean the president has made a decision.

Trump had previously said he had not made a decision regarding ground intervention in Iran and would not inform anyone if he decided to take this step.

His Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, told his G7 counterparts that the United States does not plan any ground action in Iran.

This potential operation faces rejection among Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans due to fears of getting involved in a larger war, as Hashem reported.

Recent polls indicate that 62% of Americans oppose any ground intervention in Iran, while 61% oppose war in general, according to the Al Jazeera correspondent.

In recent days, reports have suggested preparations for a wide-reaching strike in case the diplomatic path fails, ahead of Trump declaring victory, leaving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the international community.