The Pentagon has been preparing for a ground offensive in Iran for weeks, reveals the "Washington Post", citing its sources in the US administration.
Thousands of US soldiers and Marines are arriving in the region to be able to react if President Trump decides to put the plans into practice, which will lead to another escalation.
"This does not mean that the president has made a decision"
In recent days, the White House has increasingly talked about negotiations, with Trump even boasting that Iran had agreed to his 15-point peace plan. There has been no such confirmation from Tehran so far. At the same time, White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt warned that Trump is ready to "unleash all hell on them" if Iran does not end its nuclear ambitions and cease to be a threat to the United States and its allies. Regarding the revelations of the "Washington Post" Levitt commented: "The Pentagon's task is to make the necessary preparations to provide the commander in chief with the maximum range of options. This does not mean that the president has made a decision."
The US may try to liberate the Strait of Hormuz
According to the newspaper's sources, among the options being discussed are seizing Kharg Island, from where Iran exports almost all of its oil, as well as entering coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz to destroy weapons that could target vessels in the Persian Gulf.
"The Wall Street Journal" also reported a few days ago that the Pentagon is considering sending 10,000 more troops to the region, which would allow for a limited ground operation. Donald Trump's comment - "I'm not going to send troops there, but if I were to send them, I wouldn't tell you" - also does not give much clarity about his plans.
Most Americans do not support a ground offensive
The launch of a ground operation in Iran is unlikely to meet the support of the American public. According to a recent survey conducted by the University of Chicago, only 12% of residents are in favor of such a move. It would also remind Trump of his campaign promises not to start new wars - something for which he sharply criticized his predecessors in office.
At the same time, Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy and civilian facilities in the region are seriously affecting the global economy, including that of the United States. Experts suggest that for this reason Trump would want to liberate the strait even by force. At the same time, such an operation is likely to meet serious resistance from the Iranian armed forces and the Revolutionary Guard.