Washington Considers Expanding War to Ground Operations Inside Iran

Washington – Said Erikat – 3/29/2026

In a notable development reflecting a potential escalation in the pace of confrontation, the Washington Post, citing American officials, reported that the U.S. Department of Defense is preparing for a scenario of ground operations inside Iran that could last for weeks. This move represents a qualitative shift from air and naval operations to direct ground engagement.

According to the report, the military plans under consideration include complex raids carried out by special operations forces alongside conventional infantry units, as part of what appears to be an attempt to impose rapid tactical realities on the ground. However, these plans, according to sources, are still contingent on the approval of President Donald Trump, who has not yet made a decision regarding moving to this level of escalation.

This comes as the war enters its fifth week, with Washington having reinforced its military presence in the region by deploying Marine Corps forces, and considering sending thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, one of the most rapidly deployable units in the U.S. Army. This increasing military buildup reflects preparation for broader options, which may go beyond deterrence to the execution of specific offensive operations.

Informed sources indicate that the debate within the U.S. administration remains heated between those pushing to expand the scope of operations to achieve deeper strategic objectives, and those warning against sliding into a complex ground quagmire in Iran, given the nature of the geography, logistical challenges, and the potential for an asymmetrical Iranian response.

The shift towards considering ground operations inside Iran reveals a growing strategic dilemma in Washington. After weeks of air strikes that have not achieved a clear decisive outcome, the U.S. administration appears to face two difficult choices: either direct military escalation with its inherent risks, or accepting a long war of attrition. This hesitation reflects the absence of a comprehensive vision for the political end of the conflict, where military tools are being dealt with in isolation from a clear diplomatic strategy, increasing the likelihood of miscalculation.

Betting on elite forces such as special operations and airborne units may give Washington the ability to carry out precise strikes, but it does not guarantee control over their repercussions. Iran possesses a complex network of allies and unconventional capabilities, making any limited ground incursion vulnerable to turning into a broader confrontation. Furthermore, American military history in the region, from Iraq to Afghanistan, highlights that rapid operations often turn into long and costly political and military commitments.

Politically, this escalation comes at a sensitive internal moment for President Donald Trump, as pressure is mounting within Congress and within his own political camp regarding the cost and objectives of the war. Any decision to proceed with ground operations could deepen internal divisions, especially if there is no clear exit strategy. Moreover, the American public, which has shown war fatigue, may not easily accept a new involvement in an open conflict in the Middle East.

In conclusion, Washington appears to be at a critical crossroads: either continue to escalate towards a broader confrontation with Iran, or re-evaluate its options within a more cautious approach that takes into account regional and international complexities. In the absence of a clear final decision, all scenarios remain open, from limited operations to a gradual slide towards a broader war, which may exceed current estimations.