US 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Training [EPA=Yonhap News]

As the US is gathering approximately 7,000 ground troops, including Marines and airborne forces, in front of Iran, the US Department of Defense is preparing for ground operations in Iran that could last for weeks, the Washington Post (WP) reported on the 28th (local time).

The WP stated that US officials revealed preparations for ground operations in Iran lasting for several weeks, and that if President Trump actually chooses escalation, the war could enter a dangerous new phase.

US officials, who requested anonymity, said that even if these ground operations against Iran were to occur, they would fall far short of a full-scale invasion. Instead, they suggested that a surprise operation combining special forces and regular infantry is likely.

Officials also mentioned that during the past month, plans discussed within the administration included capturing Hark Island, a key oil export hub for Iran, and conducting surprise attacks on coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz to detect and destroy Iranian weapons that could target merchant or military vessels.

A US official emphasized that the US military has broadly reviewed plans for ground operations in Iran through "war games" and stressed, "This is not an impromptu plan."

While it may be possible for the US military to conduct ground operations and occupy Hark Island or certain coastal areas, there are significant concerns that it could result in a substantial number of US casualties during the process.

A US military official also pointed out, "Occupying Iranian territory would be disconcerting for the Iranian regime and would serve as an important bargaining chip in future negotiations, but protecting the US forces occupying it would be the biggest challenge." He added, "The occupation itself would not be difficult, but protecting our people who are there would be difficult."

Since the start of hostilities on the 28th of last month, 13 US soldiers have been killed and over 300 have been injured.

Regarding the duration of operations, one official commented that it would take "weeks, not months" to achieve objectives, while another official told WP it could take "months."

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre responded to the WP's inquiry by stating, "The Department of Defense's mission is to prepare to provide the Commander-in-Chief (the President) with the maximum number of options," adding, "This does not mean the President has made a decision."

It remains unclear whether President Donald Trump, who is currently prioritizing a negotiated end to the conflict with Iran, will make the politically sensitive decision to escalate to ground warfare.

The Trump administration's official stance is to pursue an early negotiated settlement with Iran, but be prepared to resort to ground troop deployment if necessary. However, there are many criticisms regarding the lack of consistency in its messaging.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated on the 27th, "I expect it to be concluded at an appropriate time within weeks, not months," and added, "We can achieve all our objectives without ground forces."

In contrast, White House spokesperson Jean-Pierre publicly threatened Iran forcefully during a briefing on the 25th, saying, "President Trump is not a man who bluffs, and he is ready to unleash hell."

Overwhelming public opposition in the United States to ground operations in Iran is also a factor that burdens President Trump's decision regarding escalation.

A recent joint poll conducted by the Associated Press and the NORC at the University of Chicago found that 62% of respondents strongly opposed deploying ground troops, while only 12% were in favor.

Recently, the US has been moving approximately 5,000 Marines and about 2,000 personnel from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, considering the possibility of ground operations.

US media has also reported that the US military is considering deploying an additional 10,000 troops, including infantry and armored units, to the Middle East.

The US Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, announced that the deployment of the approximately 2,000-strong 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), to the region was completed on the 27th.