"U.S. preparing weeks-long ground war in Iran that could last months": WP

[Financial News]

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is preparing a ground operation in the Islamic Republic of Iran that could last for several weeks, The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 28th (local time).
The report came as about 3,500 sailors and members of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were deployed to the Middle East the previous day, reinforcing United States military forces in the region.
Citing U.S. officials, The Washington Post (WP) wrote that the United States military is preparing for a weeks-long ground war in the Islamic Republic of Iran and warned that, if President Donald John Trump opts to escalate, the conflict could enter a dangerous new phase.
According to U.S. officials, roughly 7,000 troops, including Marine Corps units and airborne forces, are currently on standby. This is not enough for a full-scale invasion, making a surprise operation that combines special operations forces with regular infantry the more likely scenario. In such a limited-area campaign, special forces would disrupt the rear while infantry pushes forward on the ground.
The mission objectives are expected to include seizing Kharg Island or locating and destroying Iranian coastal weapons that could threaten the Strait of Hormuz. Kharg Island is a key hub for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s oil exports.
Given the relatively small number of troops, planners also appear to be setting a short timeline for the operation.
One official said it would take "weeks, not months" to achieve the objectives.
However, another official cautioned that, just as expectations of a short campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran have already been upended, the ground war could also drag on for months rather than weeks.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt drew a line when asked whether the deployment of ground forces was imminent.
Responding to questions from The Washington Post (WP), Leavitt explained that the DoD’s planning for a ground war is intended to give the President, as Commander-in-chief, the widest possible range of options, and stressed, "It does not mean the President has made a decision."

dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter