President Donald Trump’s administration is exploring sending thousands of US troops to the Middle East, opening the door to potential ground operations in Iran, according to multiple US officials familiar with the planning.
The discussions come as the war against Iran stretches into its third week, with Trump seeking options to secure the Strait of Hormuz and prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
According to Reuters, military planners are weighing operations that could include deploying troops along Iran’s coastline or even to Kharg Island – the hub of 90% of Iran’s oil exports – though officials called such a mission “extremely risky.”
Since Feb. 28, the US has launched more than 7,800 strikes, targeting Iranian naval forces, missile stockpiles, and defense infrastructure.
The US Central Command says over 120 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed, while 13 American troops have died and about 200 have been wounded, mostly minor injuries.
White House officials stress no final decision has been made on ground troops.
“The president is focused on achieving all objectives of Operation Epic Fury,” said a senior official, listing the goals as destroying Iran’s ballistic missile capacity, crippling its navy, countering terrorist proxies, and keeping Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Trump has publicly vacillated on the US role in securing the Strait of Hormuz. After initially promising naval escorts for commercial vessels, he urged other nations to take responsibility, later suggesting on Truth Social that the US could “finish off” what remains of the Iranian state and leave others to handle the strait.
Experts say sending troops would carry enormous political and military risks, especially given public skepticism about expanding the conflict and Trump’s long-standing campaign promises to avoid foreign wars.
Still, officials say the president wants all options on the table, including potential operations to seize Iran’s uranium stockpiles – a complex and dangerous mission even for US special forces.