The US may conduct a ground operation in Iran

ArmInfo. A US ground operation in Iran could begin in the coming days, according to WSJ journalist Alex Ward. Washington is considering seizing one or more islands off the country's southern coast, including the Islamic Republic's "oil heartland," Kharg, according to media reports. The Pentagon has already deployed additional forces to the region for this purpose. According to CNN, Tehran has already begun setting "traps" and sent additional troops to Kharg to repel an invasion.

WSJ previously described a plan according to which the US could use Marines to seize one or more islands off Iran's southern coast to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. The publication reported that the Pentagon has already sent the 31st Marine Expeditionary Force, numbering approximately 2,200 troops, based on the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, to the Middle East.

According to Axios, Washington was considering seizing Kharg Island, where up to 90% of Iran's oil exports are processed. The outlet noted that such a move would not only help ensure the safety of shipping through the strait but would also be a powerful argument for the US in forcing Tehran to capitulate.

Tasnim News Agency reported that if an attempt is made to seize Kharg, the Islamic Republic could mount an "unprecedented" response. Iranian national security analyst Morteza Simiari stated that Tehran is expressing its readiness to take control of the coastal areas of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

CNN also reported that Iran has been setting traps and deploying additional troops to Kharg Island in recent weeks in case of an invasion.

"The Iranians are smart and ruthless." "They will do everything possible to inflict maximum casualties on American forces, both on ships at sea and, especially, once ground forces are on their sovereign territory," said former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis.

Analysts interviewed by Responsible Statecraft also emphasized that a US ground operation in Iran could result in heavy losses, especially if it becomes protracted. Experts say Washington has the resources to conduct it, but troops will likely face frequent attacks, losses, and strategic setbacks. Furthermore, morale is low among the military because many see no reason to fight and are reluctant to participate.

"I'm confident we'll be able to land our troops. I'm more concerned about a long-term operation." "Every phase [of the ground deployment] will involve casualties among American troops—and what generals think will take a week can suddenly take a month or two," said John Byrnes, strategic director of Concerned Veterans of America.

National security and policy consultant James Webb, who served in Iraq, also believes Iran's mountainous terrain could pose a logistical nightmare for a ground operation. He also noted that Iranian forces are prepared for combat.

"If you look at the progress of the war from the Iranian side, you can see that they have thought through every possible aspect," Webb added.

Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Earl Rasmussen, in an interview with RIA Novosti, also expressed the opinion that Washington's ground operation could lead to the conflict dragging on for "months, if not years."

The NOTUS portal noted that many Republican members of the US Senate oppose a ground operation in Iran. Cypriot journalist Alex Christoforou expressed the opinion that US President Donald Trump is "pulling smoke and mirrors again" and is trying to distract attention with statements about negotiations with Tehran. (gazeta.ru)