The Pentagon is gearing up for potential weeks of ground operations in Iran with the arrival of thousands of US soldiers and Marines in the Middle East. This move could mark a new and risky phase of the conflict if President Donald Trump decides to escalate the situation, as reported by The Washington Post. Officials, speaking anonymously, mentioned that any ground operation would likely involve Special Operations forces and conventional infantry troops rather than a full-scale invasion.
US personnel involved in such a mission could face various threats, including Iranian drones, missiles, ground fire, and improvised explosives. The Trump administration has been oscillating between indicating that the conflict is winding down and hinting at intensifying it in recent days. Despite US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assertion that all objectives can be achieved without ground troops, detailed planning for potential operations is well underway, with officials emphasizing that this is not last-minute preparation.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the arrival of a task force comprising 3,500 marines and sailors in the Middle East. The sailors and marines, aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7), entered the US Central Command area of responsibility on March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which includes around 3,500 sailors and marines along with transport and strike fighter aircraft, amphibious assault, and tactical assets, according to CENTCOM.
This deployment is part of a broader US military buildup related to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Amphibious forces, capable of sea-based strikes and ground operations, are being mobilized. These units are typically used for swift deployments, such as securing key locations, conducting evacuations, or potentially launching assaults on coastal targets, as reported by online news portal ynetnews.com.
