Khaberni - Current data indicates that the possibility of an American ground war in Iran has become seriously considered, but it has not yet reached the stage of inevitability or a final decision.
The British Guardian and the American Washington Post have discussed the possibilities of the Trump administration launching a ground war against Iran, with the Guardian reporting by journalist Andrew Roth on the deployment of thousands of troops to the Middle East, including Marine infantry and paratroopers, in a move reflecting clear military preparedness. However, it remains linked to the possibility of diplomatic failure with Iran, meaning that the ground option remains conditional and not imminent
Roth mentioned that the Trump administration is simultaneously trying to keep the negotiation track open, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington believes it can achieve its goals without deploying ground troops, indicating clear political hesitation towards getting involved in a long and costly war.
The Washington Post, in a report by journalist Dan Lamothe, noted that the cautious American political rhetoric does not fully reflect what is happening on the ground, as the Pentagon is actually preparing for a scenario of ground operations that may last for weeks inside Iran, and include limited raids conducted by special forces and conventional infantry units.
Washington Post added that these potential operations do not rise to the level of a full invasion, but are part of limited tactical operations aimed at quickly achieving specific goals, such as destroying military sites or seizing strategic points, reflecting an attempt to minimize risks without ruling out the ground option.
The Guardian pointed out that among the key targets under consideration is Khark Island, which represents a vital lifeline for Iranian oil exports, through which about 90% of crude oil passes, making it a high strategic value target in any military escalation.
The Guardian noted that controlling this island would not be easy, as US forces may encounter strong resistance including attacks with drones, missiles, and sea mines, in addition to significant challenges in securing the island after taking control, making the operation fraught with risks.
The Guardian also confirmed that the current size of US forces deployed in the region does not indicate readiness for a wide-scale invasion, as it is much less than the forces used in Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting the hypothesis that Washington prefers limited operations instead of a comprehensive war.
The Guardian clarified that Iran has long experience in asymmetric warfare, which complicates any ground intervention, as it can target US forces through various means, which increases the likelihood of casualties and makes the decision more sensitive from both a military and political perspective.
In the same context, the Washington Post stated that the American public opinion forms an important pressure factor, where opinion polls show widespread opposition to deploying ground troops in Iran, with about 62% of Americans opposing this option, limiting the administration's ability to decide on escalation.
Washington Post added that some officials see limited ground operations as a means to create leverage in negotiations, whether to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or to limit its military capabilities, explaining why this option continues to be studied despite its risks.
The Guardian mentioned that the continuation of American military strikes against Iranian targets indicates that Washington is ready to expand its operations if it does not achieve its goals through other means, keeping the possibility of a ground intervention as an escalatory option on the table.
Both the Guardian and the Washington Post concluded that a ground war in Iran is not imminent in the direct sense, but it has become a realistic possibility being prepared for, which can be resorted to if diplomacy fails or confrontations escalate, putting the region in a stage of cautious anticipation without a final decision.
