Washington Post: US drawing up plans for weeks-long ground raids into Iran

(SeaPRwire) –   According to the Washington Post, President Donald Trump has not authorized any of the invasion plans proposed by the Department of War

Despite President Donald Trump’s assertions that Tehran has already been defeated in the month-long conflict and is seeking a surrender agreement, the US Department of War is said to be preparing strategies for potential ground operations in Iran that could last for weeks.

Anonymous US officials who spoke to the Washington Post have emphasized that any ground mission would not constitute a “full-scale invasion,” but would instead involve restricted raids conducted by Special Operations forces and regular infantry units.

Possible targets might involve capturing Kharg Island, a major hub for Iranian oil exports, or conducting strikes on coastal zones near the Strait of Hormuz to eliminate weaponry that threatens commercial and military vessels.

The Department of War’s plans still await President Trump’s approval. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Pentagon’s duty is to prepare options to ensure the commander-in-chief has “maximum optionality.”

On Saturday, US Central Command announced that the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship had arrived in the area to support the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. This reinforcement includes approximately 3,500 US sailors and Marines, along with transport and strike aircraft and amphibious assault capabilities.

Reports also indicate that an additional US amphibious ready group – which includes the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock, and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland – is en route to the region.

Meanwhile, the Department of War is also sending a third aircraft carrier group to the US Central Command’s area of operations to potentially engage in combat against Iran, as reported by CBS and CNN on Friday.

The initial US assault on Iran last month was led by two carrier strike groups, headed by the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Ford group subsequently withdrew to Crete for repairs after an alleged “non-combat” fire onboard. It remains uncertain whether the Bush will supplement or take the place of the Ford.