The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for potential ground operations in Iran, including raids near the Strait of Hormuz and a possible seizure of Kharg Island, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The plans, still under discussion, could involve US special operations forces and conventional troops conducting targeted missions rather than a full-scale invasion. However, it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will approve any ground deployment.

Kharg Island is a critical asset for Tehran, handling nearly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports. US officials reportedly view its capture as both a strategic and symbolic move that could weaken Iran’s economic capacity and strengthen Washington’s leverage in potential negotiations.

The proposed operations would also focus on coastal مناطق near the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to locate and destroy weapons systems that threaten commercial and military shipping. The waterway remains one of the world’s most vital energy corridors, and any disruption has global economic implications.

According to officials cited in the report, the timeline for such missions could range from several weeks to a few months. While seizing territory may be achievable, experts warn that holding it would pose significant challenges, particularly in ensuring the safety of deployed forces.

A former senior defence official noted that these scenarios have been extensively war-gamed and are not last-minute considerations. However, protecting troops stationed in hostile territory—especially on an island like Kharg—would be complex and resource-intensive.

The developments come as the US significantly increases its military presence in the region. Thousands of Marines and sailors have recently been deployed aboard the USS Tripoli, part of what officials describe as the largest American buildup in the Middle East in over two decades.

Meanwhile, the White House has maintained that planning does not equate to a final decision. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Pentagon’s role is to provide options, emphasizing that no formal order for ground operations has been issued.

Despite earlier statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting objectives could be achieved without ground troops, the new report indicates that more aggressive options remain under consideration.

The situation underscores escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the Strait of Hormuz and key oil infrastructure emerging as central flashpoints in the ongoing conflict.