U.S. Media: Pentagon Prepares for Possible Deployment of Ground Troops in Iran

On March 20, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington that U.S. Department of Defense officials are prepared for the possibility of deploying U.S. ground troops in Iran.

The report cites sources saying that President Trump has been considering whether to deploy ground troops in Iran, and senior U.S. military commanders have submitted specific requests aimed at preparing for such a plan. The U.S. military has also held meetings to develop contingency plans for Trump's decision to send ground troops into combat, including details on how to handle potentially captured Iranian soldiers.

On the 19th, Trump told the media at the White House that he would not send troops to Iran, but quickly added, "If I do send troops, I certainly won't tell you."

White House Press Secretary Levitt stated in a statement on the 20th: "The Pentagon's responsibility is to provide the Commander-in-Chief with the maximum options, which does not mean the president has made a decision. As the president said yesterday in the Oval Office, he currently does not plan to send ground troops anywhere."

According to U.S. media reports on the 20th, three warships, including the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship, and about 2,500 Marines have departed from San Diego, California, heading to the Middle East. Previously, the Department of Defense had dispatched the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship from Japan carrying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East.

Additionally, Axios reported on the 20th that the Trump administration is considering occupying or blockading the Iranian oil export hub of Khark Island to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The report states that such actions would require more troops, and the White House and the Department of Defense are considering sending additional forces.