The military is waiting for the president’s go-ahead for high-risk ground operations in Iran.
As thousands of additional U.S. troops arrive in the Persian Gulf, military officials are planning for two potential ground assaults in Iran: one on Kharg Island, the hub of the country’s energy industry, and the other to seize enriched uranium to hobble Iran’s nuclear-development program, according to three people familiar with the matter. They just need the go-ahead from President Trump.
Putting troops in Iranian territory would rank among the most dangerous missions of either of Trump’s terms. And neither operation would guarantee the end of the war within weeks, as Trump has promised—nor the collapse of the regime that the United States has described as an imminent threat, nor the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the closure of which has gripped the world’s energy markets, said those familiar with the options, who, like others we spoke with, did so on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive military plans. Trump has said negotiations are under way with the regime to find a peaceful solution, and the prospect of a land assault may be designed to pressure the regime to seek a settlement. A failed operation could escalate and prolong the conflict rather than force negotiations.
