Pentagon preparing for week

The Pentagon is preparing for a ground operation against Iran that could last weeks if US President Donald Trump decides to attack Tehran by ground, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing US officials.

According to the report, any operation would not involve a full-scale invasion but would instead focus on special operations missions and specific infantry ground operations.

The report also mentions that, due to the high risk that these operations would represent for American soldiers, it was unclear as of Saturday night if Trump would approve of such an operation.

“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said when asked about the report of a possible ground operation.

The report comes as an expeditionary force of 2,500 US Marines, accompanied by 2,500 sailors, arrived in the Middle East on Sunday aboard the USS Tripoli amphibious ready group, according to The New York Times.

The Washington Post also reported that the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment.

Context: The article discusses the Pentagon’s preparations for a possible ground operation against Iran, focusing on special operations missions and infantry ground operations.

Fact Check: The article mentions a report from The Washington Post about the Pentagon’s preparations and the uncertainty of President Trump’s approval for such an operation.

Context: A report from The Jerusalem Post suggests that the US may need to launch a ground military operation to seize the Iranian island of Kharg.

Fact Check: The US has previously attacked military targets on Kharg Island and spared the oil infrastructure there, according to President Trump.

Context: The article addresses differing opinions on whether targeting Kharg Island or Iran’s coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz would be a better objective in a potential military mission.

Fact Check: Michael Eisenstadt from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy suggests targeting Iranian coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz to reduce the threat to vessels navigating the area.