The United States is reportedly preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran as thousands of American soldiers and Marines arrive in West Asia. According
to a report from the Washington Post, the US is getting ready for weeks of ground operations in Iran. The report said that the ground operation won't be a full-scale invasion. Instead, it'll include raids by special forces and conventional infantry troops. Such a mission could expose US personnel to an array of threats, including Iranian drones and missiles, ground fire and improvised explosives, the report said, citing US officials. It is still unclear if US President Donald Trump would approve the Pentagon's plan or not, as the administration has signalled, in recent days, that the war in Iran is "winding down". Check Iran War Live Updates Here US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is "on or ahead of schedule" in its military operations against Iran and expects to complete its objectives "in a matter of weeks, not months." He ruled out the need for ground troops, stating the objectives could be achieved "without any ground troops – without any." Speaking after meetings with G7 allies in Paris, Rubio said the mission had been clearly defined from the outset. "We are on or ahead of schedule in that operation and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here, in a matter of weeks, not months, and the progress is going very well," he said, adding that "we have to finish the job, and we are finishing that job." Rubio’s comments followed a report from Axios indicating that the Pentagon is preparing a “final blow” against Iran that could include both ground forces and a massive bombing campaign. Another report by MS Now, quoting US officials, suggested that "(Trump) is getting a little bored with Iran. Not that he regrets it or something — he’s just bored and wants to move on."
First Marine Expeditionary Unit Arrives in West Asia
Meanwhile, a Navy ship carrying around 2,500 Marines has arrived in West Asia on Saturday. The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, as well as the elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit that are aboard, are based in Japan.
They were conducting exercises in the area around Taiwan when it was ordered to West Asia almost two weeks ago. US Central Command said that in addition to the Marines, the Tripoli also brings transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault assets to the region.
The USS Boxer and two other ships, along with another Marine Expeditionary Unit, have also been ordered to the region from San Diego.
Iran's Recent Warning Over Ground Invasion
Iran issued a chilling warning to Washington on Saturday over reports of a possible ground invasion amidst the war. In a provocative front-page message, Tehran’s English-language daily Tehran Times appeared to taunt the United States.
Framed as a grim "greeting" to American forces, the publication printed a photo of US soldiers and warned that any move toward a boots-on-the-ground operation could trigger severe consequences, and troops who enter Iran's soil would only leave in a "coffin".
Its front page headline read: “Welcome To Hell. US troops who step foot on Iranian soil will leave only in a coffin."
