Pentagon reportedly planning limited ground operations as Middle East war enters fifth week
The United States is reportedly preparing contingency plans for limited ground operations in Iran, including potential raids on Kharg Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by the The Washington Post.
The report said the Pentagon has discussed missions that could involve special operations forces and conventional infantry units, although it remains unclear whether Donald Trump would approve such operations.
Officials indicated that any ground action would stop short of a full-scale invasion and would instead focus on targeted raids to locate and destroy weapons systems believed to threaten commercial and military shipping in the Gulf.
Kharg Island a key target
According to the report, one proposal under discussion involves the temporary seizure of Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports and hosts the country’s largest oil terminal.
US officials reportedly believe capturing the island could embarrass the Iranian leadership and create leverage in future negotiations.
Military planners say such operations could last several weeks, though some estimates suggest they might extend for a couple of months depending on operational conditions.
A former senior defence official told the Post that the plans are extensive and have already been war-gamed, indicating they are not last-minute preparations.
Major challenge: holding territory
While seizing territory may be feasible, officials say protecting US troops stationed there would be far more difficult.
“Taking the island is not the challenge — protecting forces once they are deployed is,” a former defence official said, noting the need for sustained air and naval cover.
The island was also reportedly targeted in recent US airstrikes, with Trump previously describing it as a “crown jewel” of Iran’s economy.
PRESS SEC: The President’s preference is always peace, but if Iran fails to accept that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be, he will ensure they are hit harder than ever before.
President Trump does not bluff. pic.twitter.com/hUcRHDUBvV
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 25, 2026
Strait of Hormuz tensions rise
The potential operations come amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil exports that Tehran has effectively blocked since the war began.
Trump has repeatedly warned Iran to reopen the waterway, calling it vital for global energy markets.
White House says no decision yet
Responding to the report, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Pentagon routinely prepares military options but emphasised that no decision has been made.
She warned that if Iran refuses to accept a deal to end the conflict, the US president is “prepared to unleash hell.”
However, Marco Rubio said Washington could achieve its objectives without deploying ground troops, even as Trump continues to claim progress toward negotiations — claims that Tehran has denied.
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