What a US Ground Operation in Iran Could Look Like as Pentagon Preps Final Phase

The U.S. is positioning ground-capable forces in the Middle East after Iran rejected negotiations Wednesday, as speculation grows that Washington could be preparing a decisive next phase and what a ground operation inside Iran might actually look like.
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But even limited objectives would be difficult to secure or sustain under constant threat.

“It’s a large gulf, and there’s lots of places you could drop a mine or shoot a cruise missile from or shoot a drone from,” said Adm. Kevin Donegan, former commander of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and a participant with JINSA’s General & Admirals Program. 

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Experts warned that occupying territory like Kharg would expose U.S. forces as fixed targets while creating major logistical challenges, requiring continuous resupply under the threat of Iranian missile and drone attacks.

“Occupying territory creates a vulnerability, because you now become a target,” Donegan said.

Instead, sources say, U.S. forces are better suited for limited operations ashore that do not require holding ground.

“Doing something ashore to eliminate things because you have to be on the ground to do it and leaving — that’s also a capability,” Donegan said.

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