Pentagon Develops Contingency Plans for Targeted Ground Missions in Iran Amid Regional Conflict

By Staff Reporter

*Published: 2026-03-29*

The Pentagon has developed contingency plans for limited ground operations inside Iran, potentially lasting weeks, according to a Washington Post report citing U.S. officials. These plans involve special operations raids and infantry missions but do not include a full-scale invasion. The discussions occur as U.S. forces, including a Marine expeditionary unit, continue to deploy to the region for Operation Epic Fury, now in its fifth week.

Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, 2026, following U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and approximately 40 senior leaders, according to Iranian state media and U.S. Central Command statements. Iran has since conducted attacks on U.S. positions and allied sites, including a strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia that injured more than a dozen American personnel.

The Washington Post reported that the planning, ongoing for weeks, focuses on targeted missions, such as operations near Kharg Island—Iran's main oil export facility—and coastal positions by the Strait of Hormuz. These would aim to neutralize capabilities threatening navigation in the strait, a key global oil transit route. Officials described the potential missions as lasting weeks rather than months, though some estimates reach two months. Risks include exposure to Iranian drones, missiles, ground fire, and improvised explosives.

It remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will authorize any such operations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the preparations provide the president with options but do not indicate a decision has been made. She added that Iran "should not miscalculate again" and that if Tehran does not abandon its nuclear program, the president is prepared for further action.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that the U.S. could meet its objectives without ground troops but emphasized readiness for various scenarios as the situation develops.

The reported plans follow earlier Pentagon work on escalation options to secure maritime targets if diplomatic efforts fail and threats to the Strait of Hormuz persist. Global oil prices have surpassed $115 per barrel amid concerns over disruptions in the strait and related chokepoints like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

U.S. force deployments in the Middle East continue to expand. On Saturday, more than 3,500 troops arrived, including about 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Tripoli, part of an amphibious ready group. A second group, including the USS Boxer and elements of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, has been directed to the area. The Pentagon is considering up to 10,000 additional combat troops.

The buildup also involves units from the 82nd Airborne Division, positioned for potential contingencies. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense training en route, as reported by Breitbart News.

U.S. Central Command stated Saturday that more than 11,000 targets have been struck since the operation started, highlighting its scope.

Iran has continued attacks on U.S. and allied sites during this period. On Saturday, Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen fired a missile toward Israel, indicating their involvement and raising concerns about threats to maritime routes including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The Washington Post noted that Pentagon planners have conducted extensive war games on these scenarios. A former senior defense official cited in the report said challenges would include protecting U.S. forces after deployment rather than initial seizures.

Domestically, the conflict has sparked large-scale protests. Organizers claimed 8 million Americans participated in anti-war demonstrations opposing the Trump administration's Iran policy and potential ground troop involvement.

From the Iranian perspective, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the U.S. of war crimes in connection with the strikes that killed Khamenei. Iranian state media has confirmed the leader's death but described the U.S.-Israeli actions as unprovoked aggression.

The Washington Post report relies on accounts from anonymous U.S. officials, with no independent confirmation from the Pentagon. The developments, combined with arriving Marine forces and ongoing deployments, represent a potential shift in Operation Epic Fury, depending on decisions by President Trump and responses from Iran amid diplomatic and military pressures.

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