US Media: Pentagon is preparing to deploy ground troops to Iran
US CBS News reported on Friday, citing multiple sources, that the Pentagon has begun detailed preparations to deploy ground troops to Iran, with senior military commanders having submitted specific operation requests for President Trump's review.
According to the sources, Trump is considering whether to pre-deploy ground troops to the Middle East. It remains unclear under what circumstances Trump would approve the deployment of ground troops.
Trump said the day before in the White House Oval Office in response to a reporter's question that he had no intention of "sending troops anywhere," but then added, "If I really were to do so, of course I wouldn't tell you."
White House spokesperson Levitt issued a statement to CBS News saying, "The Pentagon's responsibility is to conduct various preparations to provide the Commander-in-Chief with maximum flexibility in options, which does not represent a decision by the President. As the President stated yesterday in the Oval Office, he currently has no plan to send ground troops anywhere."
Actual U.S. military deployment actions have been gradually taking place. According to two U.S. officials, three warships and about 2,200 marines left California earlier this week heading to the Middle East.
This is the second marine expeditionary force sent to the area since the conflict began, and it will take several weeks to arrive. The first unit had previously departed from the Pacific and is still en route to the region.
CBS reported that this deployment involves the Army's "Global Rapid Reaction Force" and marine expeditionary forces, and the Pentagon is also preparing to move part of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.
Axios, an American news website, also reported earlier on Friday, citing sources, that the Trump administration is studying plans to occupy or block Iran's Qeshm Island in order to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The report indicated that if such actions are approved, more troops would need to be mobilized.
According to CBS, citing two informed sources, the Pentagon has also held internal meetings on how to detain possible captured Iranian soldiers, including researching the transfer and accommodation of detained Iranians.
Trump had publicly expressed an open attitude toward the issue of ground troops in early March, which differs from the usual stance of previous U.S. presidents.
He said at the time, "I have no psychological barriers regarding the issue of ground troops. Every president says 'no ground troops,' but I don't say that."
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860223510774784/
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