Thousands of US Marines Storm Into Middle East: Iran Ground Ops Could Last Weeks
Thousands of American Marines have landed in the Middle East, as Pentagon insiders reveal ground operations in Iran could stretch on for weeks. While this marks a major escalation, officials are quick to deny a full-scale invasion is in play.
USS Tripoli Touches Down With Elite Forces; Reinforcements on the Way
The USS Tripoli pulled into port last Friday, unloading 3,500 sailors and Marines from the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. These troops were snapped up from exercises near Taiwan less than two weeks ago — a sign of urgent redeployment.
- US Central Command confirmed the ship brings transport aircraft, strike fighters, and amphibious assault power.
- The Tripoli Marines specialise in ship interceptions and territory capture.
- Further reinforcements are en route on the USS Boxer and two other vessels sailing from San Diego.
- About 10,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division stand ready for deployment.
Washington Sends Mixed Messages on Iran Strategy
The build-up follows missile strikes by Iranian-backed Houthis against Israel. It remains unclear whether President Donald Trump has signed off on the Pentagon’s operational plans.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations… It does not mean the President has made a decision.”
Trump himself delivered a cryptic update: “It’s sort of finished, but it’s not finished. It’s got to be finished.”
Leavitt also issued a stark warning to Tehran: halt its nuclear ambitions or face a President “prepared to unleash hell.”
Special Ops Expected to Lead Swift, Targeted Action
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies in France the conflict won’t drag on. He claimed the operation is ahead of schedule and Washington “can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops.”
A former senior defence official told The Washington Post: “This is not last minute planning. We’ve looked at this. It’s been war-gamed.”
Estimates suggest ground operations could last a few weeks to a couple of months. The conflict has already sadly claimed at least 13 American lives, including victims of an Iraqi plane crash and a drone attack on Port Shuaiba.
