ANKARA

The Pentagon is preparing for weeks of potential ground operations in Iran as thousands of US troops deploy to the Middle East, pending a decision by President Donald Trump, a media report said Saturday.

Officials said the plans could mark “a new phase of the war” that may be “significantly more dangerous” for US forces than the first four weeks of fighting, according to the Washington Post.

Any ground mission would fall short of a full-scale invasion and could involve raids by Special Operations forces and conventional infantry, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

They said the operations could expose troops to “drones and missiles, ground fire and improvised explosives.”

“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality,” the newspaper quoted White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. “It does not mean the President has made a decision.”

Discussions have included potential operations targeting Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub, and coastal raids near the Strait of Hormuz to neutralize threats to shipping.

Officials said possible missions could last “weeks, not months,” while others estimated “a couple of months.”

Trump previously said, “I’m not putting troops anywhere,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that it “is not going to be a prolonged conflict” and could achieve objectives “without ground troops.”

Thirteen US troops have been killed and more than 300 wounded in attacks across the region since the war began in late February, said officials.

Public opinion remains divided, with a poll showing 62% oppose deploying ground troops to Iran, while 12% support the measure.

Military analyst Michael Eisenstadt warned of risks, saying: “I just wouldn’t want to be in that small place with Iran’s ability to rain down drones.”

He added that mobility is critical, noting, “Agility is part of your force protection.”

Regional escalations have continued to rage since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,300 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure, while disrupting global markets and aviation.