Trump has shown “serious interest.”
NBC News reported Friday evening that President Donald Trump has privately expressed “serious interest” in deploying U.S. ground troops to Iran, citing multiple current and former U.S. officials.
According to the report, Trump discussed the possibility of deploying troops during internal deliberations about the next phase of the military campaign with senior aides and Republican allies close to the White House.
The idea has not been approved, and officials say the administration is still weighing its military options.
In interviews and public statements, Trump has left open the possibility of putting U.S. troops on the ground. On Monday, he said he “probably” would not need ground forces but would deploy them “if necessary,” adding that he would not make blanket promises like previous presidents.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also declined to rule out the possibility. He said the United States will “go as far as we need to go” to achieve its objectives.
The United States and Israel have already carried out large-scale strikes against Iranian military and nuclear-related targets, triggering a broader conflict with Iran.
In the first week of fighting, the United States lost six service members. Estimates of Iranian casualties range from roughly 1,200 to more than 4,000, depending on the source. Israel has reported 12 deaths and more than 1,600 injuries from retaliatory Iranian strikes.
Analysts say that if U.S. troops were deployed, the mission would likely involve limited operations rather than a full-scale invasion.
The U.S. military buildup in the region currently includes more than 50,000 personnel. However, the Pentagon’s posture has focused primarily on aircraft carriers, strike aircraft, missile defense systems, and naval forces rather than large ground formations typically associated with an invasion.
Military analysts say limited missions — such as special operations raids, rescues, sabotage operations, or the seizure of a specific facility — could be carried out with relatively small forces.
A large-scale invasion aimed at seizing and holding major territory, securing ports and airfields, and maintaining long supply lines would require far larger forces and extensive logistical support.
Given the current military posture, analysts say U.S. operations appear designed primarily for air and naval strikes, missile defense, and potentially limited raids rather than a sustained ground campaign deep inside Iran.
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I have one thing to say about U S troops going it to Iran, not until our politicians and NATO troops go in first.
Whatever is necessary to get ‘the job done’.
Americans (mainly the Conservative Voters): Hello. Our USA forces must commandeer Kharg Island in iran, the vital distribution center of iran oil to the world, their money life-line. Also, must eradicate iran [military and regime] personnel who control and “push the FIRE button” of their weapons still operating to kill Americans, Israelis, and the surrounding Arab countries and USA bases…of ballistic and short-range missiles, drones, artillery, et al.