WASHINGTON (Realist English). The Pentagon is preparing contingency plans for limited ground operations in Iran, potentially including raids on key infrastructure such as Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials cited by The Washington Post.
The plans, which stop short of a full-scale invasion, could involve special operations forces and conventional infantry units conducting targeted missions against facilities linked to Iran’s military capabilities and energy exports. Officials said such operations could last weeks or, in some scenarios, up to a few months.
Kharg Island is a critical hub for Iran’s oil exports, making it a potential strategic target in efforts to disrupt Tehran’s economic capacity and maritime operations in the Gulf.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said no decision has been made by President Donald Trump, emphasizing that military planning is part of standard contingency preparation. “It does not mean the president has made a decision,” she said.
The report comes as the United States increases its military presence in the region. U.S. Central Command confirmed that approximately 3,500 additional troops arrived aboard the USS Tripoli, including Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, supported by aircraft and amphibious assets. Additional deployments, including elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, are also under consideration.
Officials said potential objectives could include neutralizing weapons systems capable of targeting shipping lanes, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route for global energy supplies.
Iranian officials have warned of a strong response to any ground incursion. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran is prepared for such scenarios, warning that Iranian forces would target U.S. troops and regional partners if operations take place on Iranian territory.
Iranian sources have also indicated the possibility of expanding the conflict geographically. This includes potential actions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea, a critical chokepoint for global trade, and involvement by allied groups such as Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The developments come amid parallel diplomatic efforts led by regional actors, including Pakistan, to bring the United States and Iran toward negotiations, though no direct talks have been confirmed.
Analytically, the reported planning signals a possible shift toward more direct and targeted military engagement, increasing risks of escalation while maintaining flexibility short of a full invasion.
The key uncertainty is whether Washington will move from contingency planning to execution, and how Iran would respond — particularly given its capacity to widen the conflict across multiple strategic waterways.