The Washington Post: U.S. officials say the Pentagon is preparing for a potential Iranian ground operation that could last several weeks. These officials stated that any ground action would not be a full-scale invasion, but rather more likely to take the form of raids conducted by mixed forces of special operations troops and conventional infantry.
A report from The Washington Post reveals that the current U.S.-Iran conflict may be approaching a critical turning point. The Pentagon’s preparations stand in stark contrast to the White House’s earlier statement that “no ground invasion is sought,” indicating that U.S. decision-makers are now gearing up for a potential escalation with a “Plan B.”
The fundamental reason behind this shift lies in the fact that America’s previously relied-upon “large-scale air strike” strategy has failed to fully achieve its intended objectives.
This is not merely a matter of military readiness—it represents a re-evaluation of strategic options, driven by pragmatic considerations following setbacks in the initial air campaign strategy.
The report suggests that the United States stands at a strategic crossroads. A ground raid is a high-risk, high-reward option: militarily, it serves as a “Plan B,” and politically, it amounts to a gamble. Whether President Trump approves the plan will directly determine whether the conflict heads toward resolution or plunges into a more dangerous and unpredictable new phase. Although limited in scope, deploying ground forces into Iran carries risks far exceeding those of airstrikes—explaining the deep divisions within the Trump administration and the president’s prolonged hesitation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861033576009728/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.