It has now been 30 days since the Iran conflict began, and the biggest news currently is that the Pentagon is considering launching ground operations in Iran that could last for several weeks.
Today, The Washington Post reported that as thousands of U.S. military personnel have deployed to the region, the Pentagon is preparing for potential multi-week ground operations in Iran, involving surprise raids by special operations forces and conventional units.
The report noted that these plans, which have been under discussion for weeks, may signal a more dangerous phase in the conflict, exposing U.S. forces to Iranian drones, missiles, and ground fire. It remains unclear whether Trump will approve these proposals.
The article highlighted the contradictory messages coming from Washington: while Trump previously stated, “I won’t deploy troops anywhere,” Secretary Rubio asserted that “we can achieve all our objectives without ground forces.”
Meanwhile, reports indicate that discussions also include possible actions targeting Iran’s coastal infrastructure, including areas around Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz.
This report comes as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff claimed that meetings with Iranian representatives are expected this week, despite Iranian officials denying any ongoing talks with the United States.
Commentary: Trump’s public declaration of “no troop deployment” and Rubio’s claim that “ground forces are unnecessary” stand in sharp contrast to the Pentagon’s intensive preparations for war. This contradiction is not accidental—it reflects deliberate strategic ambiguity, preserving leverage for negotiations. But it also reveals internal power struggles: the military pushes for escalation to pressure Iran, while the White House fears domestic anti-war sentiment and electoral risks, and allies remain unwilling to join in—leaving the U.S. trapped in a paradox of wanting to fight but unable to act, wanting to negotiate but failing to reach agreement.
If ground operations commence, Iran is highly likely to fully blockade the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting approximately 30% of global oil shipments. Oil prices would surge past $200 per barrel, triggering worldwide inflation and economic turmoil. Regional allies may retaliate in coordination, U.S. military bases could be attacked, and regional stability would spiral out of control. The U.S. would pay an unsustainable long-term price for this short-term military gamble.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860965324147787/
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