Securing the shores of the Strait of Hormuz, taking the island of Kharg… What are the scenarios for a possible operation

High-ranking officials from the US Department of Defense have admitted to the Washington Post that the Pentagon has been preparing for “several weeks” to launch ground operations in Iran. On Saturday, the US Central Command finally confirmed that “around 3,500” marines and soldiers had arrived in the Middle East with equipment including “amphibious assault and tactical elements.”

This material precision further reinforces the possibility of a ground intervention. However, the specifics on where, how, and why remain unclear. On Monday, March 30th, former President Donald Trump on Truth Social hinted at plans involving the destruction of Iran’s power plants, oil fields, and Kharg rule if negotiations do not progress quickly.

According to reports, the US intends to bolster its troop presence with at least “10,000 additional soldiers” arriving in the Middle East in the coming days to deliver a significant blow to Iran.

Military analysts believe that the arrival of these troops signifies an increase in pressure from Washington. They suggest that the Pentagon needs to supplement its tools for specific ground operations that may be required.

Concerns about a large-scale invasion of Iran seem to have been dismissed by the US officials, as experts point out the challenges involved in such an endeavor. The size of Iran, three times that of France, and lessons learned from past conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan make a total invasion of Iran unlikely.

Instead, the US may opt for targeted, rapid, and brutal operations that could last for weeks or even months. Such operations would involve a combination of special forces and conventional infantry troops targeting critical Iranian infrastructure and military capabilities along the coast and near the Strait of Hormuz.

However, experts warn of the risks involved for US troops, as Iran has likely prepared defenses against such incursions. The operation also involves potential risks in recovering highly enriched uranium believed to be held in underground nuclear facilities.

If the US decides to go through with these operations, it could escalate the conflict significantly, leading to unknown consequences. Economically and politically, the stakes are high for the US, especially considering the majority of Americans oppose deploying combat troops in Iran.

The situation remains tense as the US military continues to evaluate different operation strategies with caution, aware of the potential complexities and risks involved.