Overview
- Multiple U.S. outlets report the administration is considering limited ground missions, including securing Iranian shoreline positions or small Gulf islands to protect Strait of Hormuz traffic.
- CBS News reporting says the Pentagon has made detailed preparations for potential deployments, with senior commanders requesting authorities for ground operations.
- Reuters sources say options under discussion include operations on Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export hub that handles the vast majority of its crude shipments.
- NBC News reporting adds that missions to secure uranium or oil facilities have been examined as leverage, with officials emphasizing any action would be far smaller than the Iraq or Afghanistan campaigns.
- The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli carrying more than 2,000 Marines from the 31st MEU is moving into the region, while President Trump says, "We’re not putting troops anywhere," and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu publicly argues a ground component is necessary.