• The Pentagon is preparing limited ground operations in Iran involving raids, not a full-scale invasion.
• Operations may target Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz to neutralize threats to global shipping.
• Plans indicate that any military engagement is expected to last "weeks, not months."
• Public opinion shows a majority of Americans oppose deploying ground troops to Iran.
• Recent military deployments include the USS Tripoli and 3,500 additional troops to the Middle East.

The Pentagon is preparing for weeks of limited ground operations in Iran, emphasizing that these efforts should stop short of a full-scale invasion. Officials indicate that such operations may include raids carried out by Special Operations forces alongside conventional infantry, marking a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict. This planning comes as thousands of US troops have been deployed to the Middle East, and discussions about specific targets, such as Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz, are underway, according to aa and Al Jazeera.

Strategically, the Pentagon is considering operations that could span “weeks, not months,” with one official suggesting a possible duration of "a couple of months." These plans are understood to be thorough preparations rather than last-minute assessments, with options designed to neutralize specific threats without the commitment of large ground troop deployments typical of previous conflicts, according to Indiatimes and Middle East Eye.

Despite preparations, public sentiment reveals significant opposition to deploying ground troops, with a recent poll indicating that 62% of Americans oppose such actions. The political messaging from the White House remains cautious; Secretary of State Marco Rubio has mentioned that the US could achieve its objectives without ground forces, while President Donald Trump has oscillated between threats of escalation and assurances against troop deployments, as covered by Indiatimes and Middle East Eye.

The imminent deployment of assets, including the USS Tripoli and its contingent of approximately 3,500 Marines, provides additional capabilities for amphibious operations and rapid responses. This positioning appears to be an effort to strengthen military readiness in anticipation of potential operations aimed at critical establishments like Kharg Island, pivotal for Iranian oil exports, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

Officials warn that any ground engagement in Iran would expose US forces to severe risks, including drone attacks, missile strikes, and improvised explosive threats. The growing number of casualties among US troops in the region emphasizes the high stakes involved in this military planning, particularly as retaliatory actions have already resulted in significant injuries and fatalities, as noted by Middle East Eye and aa.