The United States government is preparing a potential ground invasion of Iran, according to reports from the Washington Post. The Pentagon is developing plans that involve weeks of troop presence on Iranian territory. Anonymous officials have indicated that the operations may not be a full-scale invasion, but rather incursions by special forces and conventional troops.

Although former President Donald Trump has not yet approved any plans, he is known to have previously called a ground invasion a 'waste of time'. Despite this, the deployment of thousands of US military personnel in the region has been confirmed, including marines and soldiers who arrived as part of a unit led by the warship USS Tripoli.

The arrival of more than 3,500 American troops in the Middle East, including marines and other personnel, has intensified tensions in the region. Iran's speaker reacted to reports of a possible ground invasion, declaring that the regime was prepared to defend itself. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iranian armed forces are 'waiting for the arrival of American troops to set them on fire and punish their regional partners forever'.

These threats come after Iran warned that it would attack US and Israeli universities in the Middle East in response to attacks on its own institutions. Iran gave Washington a deadline to condemn the attacks on the University of Science and Technology in Tehran.

There is speculation about the possibility of US troops attempting to seize Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, which handles approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. The island, which is about five miles long, is considered by US officials as the 'nexus of all Iranian oil supply'.

A ground operation in Iran would face considerable public opposition. A joint poll by the Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago revealed that 62% of respondents strongly oppose the use of ground troops in Iran, with only 12% in favor.

Congressman Derrick Van Orden, a staunch supporter of former President Trump, stated that he has opposed a ground intervention '100 percent from the beginning'. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that 'it's the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. This does not mean the President has made a decision'.

The situation remains tense, with the deployment of troops and the statements from both sides indicating an escalation of the situation in the Middle East.

The President of the United States, in previous statements, stated that he would not send troops anywhere, but that if he did, he would not make it public. However, the arrival of thousands of soldiers and marines suggests a preparation for possible military actions. The preparation of plans by the Pentagon and the statements of Iranian officials reflect the seriousness of the situation.

The combination of factors such as the troop deployment, Iran's threats, and speculation about potential strategic targets, such as Kharg Island, paints a picture of increasing tension and the possibility of open conflict.