The Pentagon is carefully working through preparations in case a US ground operation in Iran is launched. CBS News reported this, citing several sources.
According to the network’s sources, senior military officials have submitted specific requests related to preparations for such a scenario, as Trump is considering this possible course in the war against Iran.
As part of these preparations, the US military held meetings on the detention of Iranian soldiers and fighters from paramilitary formations, including identifying the locations where prisoners would be taken. The planning involves the Army’s rapid response forces and expeditionary units of the US Marine Corps.
In addition, thousands of Marines are currently being redeployed to the Middle East. According to CBS, three military ships departed from California at the beginning of this week carrying about 2,200 Marines from an expeditionary unit. This is already the second such unit sent to the region since the start of the war.
Donald Trump had previously denied the possibility of a US ground operation in Iran. “Even if I were planning it, I certainly wouldn’t tell you about it,” he said on March 19.