WASHINGTON / THE GULF — The Pentagon has developed advanced contingency plans for a targeted ground campaign in Iran that could last between several weeks and two months, according to a high-profile report from The Washington Post on Saturday, March 28, 2026. While President Donald Trump has not yet approved the deployment of boots on the ground, the planning represents a “dangerous new phase” of the month-old war, designed to give the Commander-in-Chief “maximum optionality” as the April 6 deadline approaches.
The report arrives as thousands of U.S. Marines and soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division continue to arrive in the Middle East, bringing the total U.S. troop presence in the region to over 50,000.
The Strategy: “Limited Raids” vs. Full Invasion
U.S. officials emphasized that the current plans do not involve a 2003-style full-scale invasion or “regime change” via ground march to Tehran. Instead, the focus is on high-impact, asymmetric strikes:
- Targeting Kharg Island: A primary objective is the potential seizure or blockade of Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub. Controlling this facility would give the U.S. ultimate leverage over 90% of Iran’s remaining oil revenue.
- Coastal “Clearing” Operations: The plans include raids by a mix of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and conventional infantry to “find and destroy” Iranian missile sites and drone launch pads along the coast that are currently strangling the Strait of Hormuz.
- Destroying Threats: Missions would prioritize neutralizing weapons systems capable of targeting commercial and military vessels, effectively breaking the maritime blockade.
A New and More Dangerous Phase
While the first month of the conflict—Operation Epic Fury—was defined by a “blistering” air campaign, officials warn that ground operations would be significantly more hazardous for American personnel.
- Direct Exposure: Unlike the air campaign, ground troops would be exposed to a “concentrated rain” of Iranian one-way attack drones, ballistic missiles, ground fire, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
- The Casualty Toll: To date, 13 U.S. service members have been killed and over 300 wounded in regional strikes. Analysts warn that a ground phase would see these numbers climb rapidly.
- The “At-Ready” Force: The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (approx. 2,200 personnel) and the USS Tripoli amphibious ready group are already in position, but sustained operations would require a massive logistical tail.
Conflicting Signals from the White House
Despite the advanced planning, President Trump remains publicly hesitant to commit ground forces, emphasizing his “America First” stance.
- “Maximum Optionality”: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations… It does not mean the President has made a decision.”
- Rubio’s Assessment: Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently insisted that the U.S. could achieve its objectives “without ground troops” and within the next two weeks, though he noted the deployment provides “flexibility.”
- Public Opposition: Recent polling shows that 62% of Americans strongly oppose a ground invasion of Iran, a sentiment the President has acknowledged by stating, “I’m not putting troops anywhere.”
Operational Timeline: Day 30
| Feature | Status (March 29, 2026) |
| Duration of Raid Plan | Estimated “weeks, not months” (approx. 2 months max). |
| Troop Surge | USS Tripoli arrived in the Gulf with 2,500 Marines/Sailors. |
| Aerial Attrition | 2,000+ Iranian targets hit; complete control of skies expected soon. |
| Economic Impact | Oil prices remain volatile as Kharg Island becomes a potential target. |
What’s Next?
The Pentagon’s plans remain “on the shelf” pending the outcome of the Islamabad Summit currently underway. If the diplomatic “off-ramp” fails to secure a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by April 6, the President may be forced to choose between a prolonged air-only stalemate or authorizing the “dangerous” ground raids outlined by the Washington Post.
