Pentagon officials prepared detailed plans for deploying United States ground forces into Iran. Multiple sources briefed on the discussions provided the information to CBS News. As reported by ALO360, the preparations included specific requests from senior military commanders aimed at readying such an option.
Military Preparations Underway
Senior military commanders submitted specific requests to prepare for potential ground operations. Officials at United States Central Command referred questions regarding the preparations to the White House and Pentagon. Moreover, military officials held meetings to plan for the possible detention of Iranian soldiers and paramilitary operatives. The meetings addressed where detainees would be sent if American forces deployed.
Presidential Deliberations
Donald Trump, President of the United States, deliberated whether to position ground forces in the region. Sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they lacked authorization to speak publicly. Furthermore, it remained unclear under what circumstances he would authorize the use of troops on the ground.
Trump addressed the matter with reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday. “No, I’m not putting troops anywhere,” he stated. However, he quickly added, “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.”
Troop Movements and Logistics
The United States military prepared to deploy elements of the 82nd Airborne Division into the Middle East region. Additionally, the planning involved the Army’s Global Response Force and the Marine Corps’ Marine Expeditionary Unit. Three warships and approximately 2,200 Marines from an expeditionary unit departed California earlier in the week according to two United States officials. This marked the second such Marine unit sent since the war began. The first unit departed from the Pacific and continued making its way into the region.
Official Statements
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, issued a statement regarding the preparations. “It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality, it does not mean the President has made a decision, and as the President said in the Oval Office yesterday, he is not planning to send ground troops anywhere at this time,” she said.
