Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
The Pentagon is making preparations for possible ground operations in Iran as thousands of US troops deploy to the Middle East, media reported Saturday.
Officials said the plans could represent a new stage of military activity that may be more hazardous for US forces than the initial weeks of fighting.
Any ground mission would likely involve targeted raids by Special Operations forces and conventional infantry rather than a full-scale invasion, sources said.
Military personnel could face threats from drones, missiles, gunfire, and improvised explosive devices during such operations.
The White House emphasized that preparations are intended to provide the Commander in Chief with options and do not indicate that a decision has been made.
Potential operations under discussion include strikes near key Iranian oil facilities and coastal areas along the Strait of Hormuz to protect shipping routes.
Analysts warned that mobility and agility would be critical for troop safety, citing risks from Iran’s drone and missile capabilities.
The conflict has caused casualties on both sides and disruptions to regional infrastructure and markets, as tensions continue following joint US-Israel actions earlier this year.
