US weighs limited ground raids in Iran as military buildup continues

The Pentagon is preparing options for limited ground operations in Iran, according to US officials cited by The Washington Post, as Washington expands its military presence in the region without committing to a full-scale invasion.

The plans under discussion would involve targeted raids rather than a broader occupation. They could include operations on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub, as well as coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has capabilities to threaten shipping.

According to the report, such operations could rely on a mix of special forces and conventional infantry units. That approach, while more contained than a full invasion, would still expose US personnel to significant risks, including drone and missile attacks, ground fire and improvised explosive devices.

The timeline being considered suggests relatively short campaigns. One official described the potential duration as “weeks, not months”, while another estimated it could last “a couple of months”.

For now, there is no indication that President Donald Trump has approved any of these options. The White House has emphasised that planning does not equal decision-making.

“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the president has made a decision,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

At the same time, the US is steadily increasing its military footprint. The war in Iran has entered its fifth week, and additional forces are being positioned in the region. US Central Command said about 3,500 troops arrived aboard the USS Tripoli, including marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with aircraft and amphibious assault assets.

Discussions inside the administration have reportedly focused on disrupting Iran’s ability to threaten maritime routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint critical to global energy flows.