Ground forces, Hormuz raids, seizing Kharg: US prepares 'final blow' to Iran
The Pentagon is preparing for possible ground action in Iran, but what would that really involve, where could it happen, and why is Washington still keeping the final call uncertain?
The Pentagon is preparing for weeks of possible ground operations in Iran, signalling a potential turning point in the conflict as forces build up across the Middle East. Thousands of US Marines and soldiers have already moved into position, creating the infrastructure for a campaign that could rapidly escalate if President Donald Trump decides to act.
What is taking shape is not a full-scale invasion but a series of calculated, high-impact missions. Officials describe plans centred on fast-moving raids by Special Operations forces and conventional infantry, designed to strike critical targets and withdraw before Iran can mount a sustained response. The timelines under discussion range from “weeks, not months” to “a couple of months”, suggesting a short but intense phase of combat.
NOT AN INVASION, BUT TARGETED STRIKES
The focus is on dismantling Iran’s military capabilities through precision operations. Potential targets include missile launch systems, air defences and coastal installations threatening shipping routes.
Among the most discussed options is Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub in the Persian Gulf. Seizing or blockading it could deliver a heavy economic blow while creating leverage for negotiations.
Other plans involve raids near the Strait of Hormuz, clearing Iranian positions that can target commercial and military vessels.
“This is not last-minute planning. It’s been war-gamed,” one former defence official said.
THE ‘FINAL BLOW’ OPTIONS UNDER DISCUSSION
Beyond limited raids, the Pentagon is also developing options for what officials describe as a potential “final blow” against Iran, a dramatic escalation combining ground action with a massive bombing campaign.
Four key scenarios are being weighed. These include seizing or blockading Kharg Island, targeting Larak Island which helps Iran control the Strait of Hormuz, and capturing Abu Musa along with nearby islands claimed by the United Arab Emirates. Another option involves intercepting ships exporting Iranian oil in the region.
More aggressive plans even explore ground operations deep inside Iran to secure highly enriched uranium from nuclear facilities, though large-scale air strikes remain an alternative.
“The President doesn’t bluff and he is ready to unleash hell,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, warning of escalation if no deal is reached.
FORCES IN PLACE AND READY
US deployments have accelerated, with Marine expeditionary units and thousands of troops arriving or en route. The command element of the 82nd Airborne Division is also being sent, strengthening rapid deployment capabilities.
These reinforcements are meant to provide flexibility, allowing Washington to scale operations up or down depending on how the conflict evolves.
HIGH RISKS ON THE GROUND
Any ground mission would expose US forces to drones, missiles and entrenched resistance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Strategic locations such as Kharg Island could become highly contested zones.
“You’ve got to provide cover Seizing it is not difficult. Protecting your guys once they are there is,” a former official said.
Experts argue that mobility will be crucial, with short, precise raids reducing exposure to sustained retaliation.
CONFLICTING SIGNALS AND RISING STAKES
Even as planning intensifies, uncertainty remains. Trump said on March 20, “I’m not putting troops anywhere,” yet officials indicate he is ready to escalate if diplomacy fails.
Iran, meanwhile, has warned it will retaliate without limits if its territory is targeted, fuelling fears that any ground operation could widen the conflict rather than end it.
For now, the Pentagon’s plans remain just that, plans. But with forces in place and options ranging from limited raids to a sweeping “final blow”, the path ahead could reshape the course of the war in a matter of weeks.
The Pentagon is preparing for weeks of possible ground operations in Iran, signalling a potential turning point in the conflict as forces build up across the Middle East. Thousands of US Marines and soldiers have already moved into position, creating the infrastructure for a campaign that could rapidly escalate if President Donald Trump decides to act.
What is taking shape is not a full-scale invasion but a series of calculated, high-impact missions. Officials describe plans centred on fast-moving raids by Special Operations forces and conventional infantry, designed to strike critical targets and withdraw before Iran can mount a sustained response. The timelines under discussion range from “weeks, not months” to “a couple of months”, suggesting a short but intense phase of combat.
NOT AN INVASION, BUT TARGETED STRIKES
The focus is on dismantling Iran’s military capabilities through precision operations. Potential targets include missile launch systems, air defences and coastal installations threatening shipping routes.
Among the most discussed options is Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub in the Persian Gulf. Seizing or blockading it could deliver a heavy economic blow while creating leverage for negotiations.
Other plans involve raids near the Strait of Hormuz, clearing Iranian positions that can target commercial and military vessels.
“This is not last-minute planning. It’s been war-gamed,” one former defence official said.
THE ‘FINAL BLOW’ OPTIONS UNDER DISCUSSION
Beyond limited raids, the Pentagon is also developing options for what officials describe as a potential “final blow” against Iran, a dramatic escalation combining ground action with a massive bombing campaign.
Four key scenarios are being weighed. These include seizing or blockading Kharg Island, targeting Larak Island which helps Iran control the Strait of Hormuz, and capturing Abu Musa along with nearby islands claimed by the United Arab Emirates. Another option involves intercepting ships exporting Iranian oil in the region.
More aggressive plans even explore ground operations deep inside Iran to secure highly enriched uranium from nuclear facilities, though large-scale air strikes remain an alternative.
“The President doesn’t bluff and he is ready to unleash hell,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, warning of escalation if no deal is reached.
FORCES IN PLACE AND READY
US deployments have accelerated, with Marine expeditionary units and thousands of troops arriving or en route. The command element of the 82nd Airborne Division is also being sent, strengthening rapid deployment capabilities.
These reinforcements are meant to provide flexibility, allowing Washington to scale operations up or down depending on how the conflict evolves.
HIGH RISKS ON THE GROUND
Any ground mission would expose US forces to drones, missiles and entrenched resistance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Strategic locations such as Kharg Island could become highly contested zones.
“You’ve got to provide cover Seizing it is not difficult. Protecting your guys once they are there is,” a former official said.
Experts argue that mobility will be crucial, with short, precise raids reducing exposure to sustained retaliation.
CONFLICTING SIGNALS AND RISING STAKES
Even as planning intensifies, uncertainty remains. Trump said on March 20, “I’m not putting troops anywhere,” yet officials indicate he is ready to escalate if diplomacy fails.
Iran, meanwhile, has warned it will retaliate without limits if its territory is targeted, fuelling fears that any ground operation could widen the conflict rather than end it.
For now, the Pentagon’s plans remain just that, plans. But with forces in place and options ranging from limited raids to a sweeping “final blow”, the path ahead could reshape the course of the war in a matter of weeks.
