US Reportedly Preparing Ground Forces for Attack on Iran
The Trump administration is reportedly undertaking detailed preparations to deploy US ground forces to Iran. This revelation comes despite Trump’s earlier assertion that he would not place troops anywhere.
The move was uncovered after senior military commanders submitted specific requests to prepare for the deployment of personnel, amid intensive coordination between the US and Israel regarding the use of shared military resources.
A report on Friday (20/3/2026) revealed that the Donald Trump administration is making detailed preparations to deploy US ground forces to Iran.
In a press conference the previous day, Trump stated, “If I were going to do it, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.” However, according to a CBS News report, senior military commanders have submitted specific requests to prepare for the deployment of US ground forces in Iran, in coordination with Israel on the joint use of military resources.
The White House emphasised that these preparations are the Pentagon’s responsibility to provide maximum options to the Commander-in-Chief, and do not indicate that the President has made a decision.
Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt affirmed, “Conducting preparations to provide maximum options to the Commander-in-Chief is the Pentagon’s duty. That does not mean the President has made a decision, and as the President has stated, he does not plan to send ground forces anywhere at this time.”
The report also mentioned that military officials are discussing procedures for handling prisoners of war, including if Iranian forces and paramilitaries are captured, as well as the locations for their detention.
While the possibility of a ground forces deployment is being considered, Iran continues to target oil infrastructure in the Gulf, including drone attacks on oil refineries in Kuwait, as well as missile strikes on Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Currently, approximately 4,000 US military personnel are stationed in the region, including 2,500 Marines, with a fleet of three amphibious ships carrying F-35 fighter jets, missiles, and amphibious vehicles ready for a ground assault. The latest US military data shows 13 members killed and 200 wounded, despite no ground forces having been deployed. (Anadolu/Ant/I-1)
These attacks are occurring amid an escalation of conflict involving Iran and countries in the Gulf region. In recent days, Tehran has intensified attacks on infrastructure.
The US has approved Iran’s conditions to focus negotiations solely on its nuclear programme. Mediation by Gulf states has successfully pressured Washington to avoid a broader regional conflict.
The IRGC claims to have captured 178 US and Israeli spies since late February. The agents are accused of leaking military and medical coordinates amid the escalating conflict in Iran.
The minister echoed Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s statement that the conflict in the Middle East is “not Germany’s war.”
He stated that countries benefiting from shipping security in the strait should pay costs and taxes to Iran.