What a US ground operation in Iran could look like as Pentagon preps for final phase

By Fox News · Fox News

The U.S. is positioning ground-capable forces in the Middle East after Iran rejected negotiations Wednesday, as speculation grows that Washington could be preparing a decisive next phase and what a ground operation inside Iran might actually look like. Military experts say the deployments are not a precursor to a large-scale invasion but instead position the U.S. for targeted, short-duration missions — the kind of operations that could be aimed at delivering an intended "final blow" as diplomatic off-ramps narrow. But all options for a ground campaign come with high risk, they say. U.S. officials have not confirmed any decision, but reporting indicates the Pentagon is weighing a range of aggressive options, including expanded strikes and potential ground operations. IRAN’S REMAINING WEAPONS: HOW TEHRAN CAN STILL DISRUPT THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ In recent days, the Pentagon has moved ground-capable forces into the region, including around 1,000 paratroopers with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Among them is the 1st Brigade Combat Team, a core component of the military’s Immediate Response Force rapid-response unit designed to deploy on short notice to crises anywhere in the world. Also deployed were a few thousand Marines and sailors assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and its Amphibious Ready Group, led by the amphibious assault ship Tripoli. Marine expeditionary units and airborne forces often are among the first U.S. units deployed in a conflict to rapidly establish an initial presence and respond to emerging crises. President Donald Trump said early Thursday on Truth Social Iran "better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!" Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday Iran is reviewing the U.S.'s 15-point ceasefire proposal but was not engaged in negotiations wit the U.S. Trump said in a Cabinet meeting Thursday Iran was "begging" for a deal. "They're lousy fight…