Pentagon Prepares Weeks-Long Ground Operations in Iran; USS Tripoli Deployed
Key Takeaways
- Pentagon planning weeks long ground operations in Iran, including raids and Kharg Island seizure.
- Thousands of US troops deployed to the Middle East as Trump weighs options.
- Plans describe limited action, not a full invasion.
Ground Operations Planned
The Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran.
Any ground campaign would fall short of a full-scale invasion.
The Washington Post warned this could be significantly more dangerous for US troops.
USS Tripoli Arrives
The USS Tripoli arrived in the region with 3,500 sailors and Marines.
Transport and strike fighter aircraft plus amphibious assault assets were included.
The USS Boxer and two other ships have also been ordered to the region.
Kharg Island and Hormuz in Focus
Discussions included targeting Kharg Island and coastal raids near the Strait of Hormuz.
Possible missions could last weeks, not months.
Estimates ranged from several weeks to a couple of months.
Casualties and Public Opinion
Thirteen US troops have been killed and more than 300 wounded.
A poll showed 62% oppose deploying ground troops.
Roughly 50% think Trump has made the right call to launch strikes.
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