US Ground Troops in Iran ?

[Jan_Savik]

I have been closely monitoring the US involvement in the Iran war, specifically the possible use of ground troops. Bare in mind Trump has NOT ruled this out .

As of March 13, 2026, the United States is currently engaged in a massive air and naval campaign against Iran known as Operation Epic Fury. While the conflict is intense, the likelihood of a full-scale ground invasion by U.S. forces remains a point of high strategic tension rather than a confirmed reality.
Here is an analysis based on the current situation:

Current Military Posture (The Air War)​

The U.S. and Israel launched this campaign on February 28, 2026. Since then, operations have focused on "regime change from the skies" and dismantling Iran's ability to project power.

• Targeting: Strikes have successfully targeted Iranian leadership (including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei), nuclear facilities, and missile infrastructure.
• Naval Conflict: The U.S. has claimed to have largely destroyed the Iranian Navy, though Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz using coastal missile batteries and drones.
• US Buildup: The U.S. has conducted its largest regional buildup since the 2003 Iraq War, including the deployment of two carrier strike groups (USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford).

Factors Increasing the Likelihood of Ground Troops​

Several recent developments suggest that "boots on the ground" are being actively considered as an option:

1. Marine Deployment: On March 13, 2026, the U.S. ordered 2,200 Marines (a Marine Expeditionary Unit) aboard three warships to the Middle East. These units are specifically designed for amphibious assaults and "entry from the sea."
2. Trump’s Statements: President Trump has refused to rule out ground troops. On March 8, he signaled that the military campaign could be more expansive than initially planned, stating "victory" would require meeting all objectives.
3. Regime Instability: With the Iranian leadership in disarray and Mojtaba Khamenei attempting to consolidate power, U.S. planners may see a window to "finish the job" if air strikes alone do not cause the regime to collapse.

Factors Decreasing the Likelihood​

• Public and International Opposition: Polls show that most Americans do not support a ground war. Additionally, allies like the UK have stated they "do not believe in regime change from the skies" and have limited their involvement to defensive roles.
• Iranian Resilience: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on March 12 that Iran is "waiting" for U.S. ground forces, suggesting they have prepared for a high-casualty insurgency similar to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Defined Objectives: Currently, the stated White House objectives (Operation Epic Fury) focus on destroying missiles, the navy, and nuclear capabilities—tasks that can largely be achieved through stand-off munitions rather than territorial occupation.

Summary of Probability​

Scenario	Likelihood	Context
Full-Scale Occupation	Low to Moderate	Extremely high cost and low public support make a total invasion unlikely unless the regime collapses entirely on its own.
Limited Special Ops/Marines	High	Targeted ground raids to secure nuclear sites or "clear" coastal missile batteries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are increasingly probable.
Continued Air/Naval Only	Moderate	The current strategy, though the U.S. is signaling a "dramatic surge" in firepower for the coming days.

More detailed monitoring of the ground troops.

As of March 13, 2026, the tracking of U.S. ground forces shows a significant escalation in readiness, though a full-scale invasion has not yet been ordered. The following is the current status of ground-capable units in the theater:

Current Force Movements​

• The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU): This unit, consisting of approximately 2,200 to 2,500 Marines, was officially ordered to the Middle East today.
  • Transport: They are traveling aboard the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and its associated amphibious ready group (likely including the USS San Diego and USS New Orleans).
  • Location: Satellite imagery currently places the USS Tripoli near Taiwan, having just departed its homeport in Japan.
  • Estimated Arrival: They are approximately 7 to 10 days away from the Iranian coast.
• Special Operations: While not "ground troops" in the sense of an army, U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are already active in the region. Recent reports indicate they are operating from bases in Kuwait and Iraq, focusing on "stand-in" targeting for the air campaign.

Strategic Indicators of Ground Action​

The Pentagon and White House have shifted their rhetoric in the last 48 hours, providing clues on how these troops might be used:

• The "Hormuz Objective": The primary mission for the incoming Marines is reportedly to counter Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This could involve "visit, board, search, and seizure" (VBSS) operations or limited ground raids on coastal missile sites that are difficult to hit from the air.
• Presidential Stance: President Trump stated today that while regime change is the ultimate goal, it "may not happen immediately." He notably refused to rule out ground troops for securing nuclear sites or preventing the "machine-gunning" of protesters by the IRGC.
• Military Logic: Air Force Gen. Dan Caine noted that the U.S. has achieved "air superiority," which is the doctrinal prerequisite for ground operations. However, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth explicitly stated, "We are not going to see a replay of the Iraq War."

Summary Table: Ground Force Outlook​

Unit	Status	Potential Mission
31st MEU (Marines)	In Transit (7-10 days out)	Reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Amphibious raids.
Special Forces	Active in Theater	Sabotage, targeting, and securing sensitive materials.
82nd Airborne/Army	On High Alert (CONUS)	Not yet deployed; would signal a full-scale invasion.

 

[(G.O.A.T.) Tubemonkey]

"Targeted ground raids to secure nuclear sites or "clear" coastal missile batteries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz" Would be my best guess.

 

[dafuq]

Dumbass Motherfukin Trump can't fuckin spell ESCALATION. Oh, victory - my ass.
Trump is a little bitch.

 

[dafuq]

Trump is a bitch.

 

[nostrils]

I want to see some good footage so I hope so

 

[Jan_Savik]

I want to see some good footage so I hope so

There will be plenty of that coming out ..EVERY FUCKER has phones these days and all the US marines now wear GoPros.

 

[Graziani]

7 dead american soldiers

 

[ZeroK]

Trump is a bitch.

 

[Teeshine]

I have been closely monitoring the US involvement in the Iran war, specifically the possible use of ground troops. Bare in mind Trump has NOT ruled this out .

As of March 13, 2026, the United States is currently engaged in a massive air and naval campaign against Iran known as Operation Epic Fury. While the conflict is intense, the likelihood of a full-scale ground invasion by U.S. forces remains a point of high strategic tension rather than a confirmed reality.
Here is an analysis based on the current situation:

Current Military Posture (The Air War)​

The U.S. and Israel launched this campaign on February 28, 2026. Since then, operations have focused on "regime change from the skies" and dismantling Iran's ability to project power.

• Targeting: Strikes have successfully targeted Iranian leadership (including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei), nuclear facilities, and missile infrastructure.
• Naval Conflict: The U.S. has claimed to have largely destroyed the Iranian Navy, though Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz using coastal missile batteries and drones.
• US Buildup: The U.S. has conducted its largest regional buildup since the 2003 Iraq War, including the deployment of two carrier strike groups (USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford).

Factors Increasing the Likelihood of Ground Troops​

Several recent developments suggest that "boots on the ground" are being actively considered as an option:

1. Marine Deployment: On March 13, 2026, the U.S. ordered 2,200 Marines (a Marine Expeditionary Unit) aboard three warships to the Middle East. These units are specifically designed for amphibious assaults and "entry from the sea."
2. Trump’s Statements: President Trump has refused to rule out ground troops. On March 8, he signaled that the military campaign could be more expansive than initially planned, stating "victory" would require meeting all objectives.
3. Regime Instability: With the Iranian leadership in disarray and Mojtaba Khamenei attempting to consolidate power, U.S. planners may see a window to "finish the job" if air strikes alone do not cause the regime to collapse.

Factors Decreasing the Likelihood​

• Public and International Opposition: Polls show that most Americans do not support a ground war. Additionally, allies like the UK have stated they "do not believe in regime change from the skies" and have limited their involvement to defensive roles.
• Iranian Resilience: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on March 12 that Iran is "waiting" for U.S. ground forces, suggesting they have prepared for a high-casualty insurgency similar to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Defined Objectives: Currently, the stated White House objectives (Operation Epic Fury) focus on destroying missiles, the navy, and nuclear capabilities—tasks that can largely be achieved through stand-off munitions rather than territorial occupation.

Summary of Probability​

Scenario	Likelihood	Context
Full-Scale Occupation	Low to Moderate	Extremely high cost and low public support make a total invasion unlikely unless the regime collapses entirely on its own.
Limited Special Ops/Marines	High	Targeted ground raids to secure nuclear sites or "clear" coastal missile batteries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are increasingly probable.
Continued Air/Naval Only	Moderate	The current strategy, though the U.S. is signaling a "dramatic surge" in firepower for the coming days.

More detailed monitoring of the ground troops.

As of March 13, 2026, the tracking of U.S. ground forces shows a significant escalation in readiness, though a full-scale invasion has not yet been ordered. The following is the current status of ground-capable units in the theater:

Current Force Movements​

• The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU): This unit, consisting of approximately 2,200 to 2,500 Marines, was officially ordered to the Middle East today.
  
  • Transport: They are traveling aboard the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and its associated amphibious ready group (likely including the USS San Diego and USS New Orleans).
  • Location: Satellite imagery currently places the USS Tripoli near Taiwan, having just departed its homeport in Japan.
  • Estimated Arrival: They are approximately 7 to 10 days away from the Iranian coast.
• Special Operations: While not "ground troops" in the sense of an army, U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are already active in the region. Recent reports indicate they are operating from bases in Kuwait and Iraq, focusing on "stand-in" targeting for the air campaign.

Strategic Indicators of Ground Action​

The Pentagon and White House have shifted their rhetoric in the last 48 hours, providing clues on how these troops might be used:

• The "Hormuz Objective": The primary mission for the incoming Marines is reportedly to counter Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This could involve "visit, board, search, and seizure" (VBSS) operations or limited ground raids on coastal missile sites that are difficult to hit from the air.
• Presidential Stance: President Trump stated today that while regime change is the ultimate goal, it "may not happen immediately." He notably refused to rule out ground troops for securing nuclear sites or preventing the "machine-gunning" of protesters by the IRGC.
• Military Logic: Air Force Gen. Dan Caine noted that the U.S. has achieved "air superiority," which is the doctrinal prerequisite for ground operations. However, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth explicitly stated, "We are not going to see a replay of the Iraq War."

Summary Table: Ground Force Outlook​

Unit	Status	Potential Mission
31st MEU (Marines)	In Transit (7-10 days out)	Reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Amphibious raids.
Special Forces	Active in Theater	Sabotage, targeting, and securing sensitive materials.
82nd Airborne/Army	On High Alert (CONUS)	Not yet deployed; would signal a full-scale invasion.

Scorched earth policy means boots on the ground eventually. We got to get our oil 🛢

 

[DeathHand]

I have been closely monitoring the US involvement in the Iran war, specifically the possible use of ground troops. Bare in mind Trump has NOT ruled this out .

As of March 13, 2026, the United States is currently engaged in a massive air and naval campaign against Iran known as Operation Epic Fury. While the conflict is intense, the likelihood of a full-scale ground invasion by U.S. forces remains a point of high strategic tension rather than a confirmed reality.
Here is an analysis based on the current situation:

Current Military Posture (The Air War)​

The U.S. and Israel launched this campaign on February 28, 2026. Since then, operations have focused on "regime change from the skies" and dismantling Iran's ability to project power.

• Targeting: Strikes have successfully targeted Iranian leadership (including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei), nuclear facilities, and missile infrastructure.
• Naval Conflict: The U.S. has claimed to have largely destroyed the Iranian Navy, though Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz using coastal missile batteries and drones.
• US Buildup: The U.S. has conducted its largest regional buildup since the 2003 Iraq War, including the deployment of two carrier strike groups (USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford).

Factors Increasing the Likelihood of Ground Troops​

Several recent developments suggest that "boots on the ground" are being actively considered as an option:

1. Marine Deployment: On March 13, 2026, the U.S. ordered 2,200 Marines (a Marine Expeditionary Unit) aboard three warships to the Middle East. These units are specifically designed for amphibious assaults and "entry from the sea."
2. Trump’s Statements: President Trump has refused to rule out ground troops. On March 8, he signaled that the military campaign could be more expansive than initially planned, stating "victory" would require meeting all objectives.
3. Regime Instability: With the Iranian leadership in disarray and Mojtaba Khamenei attempting to consolidate power, U.S. planners may see a window to "finish the job" if air strikes alone do not cause the regime to collapse.

Factors Decreasing the Likelihood​

• Public and International Opposition: Polls show that most Americans do not support a ground war. Additionally, allies like the UK have stated they "do not believe in regime change from the skies" and have limited their involvement to defensive roles.
• Iranian Resilience: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on March 12 that Iran is "waiting" for U.S. ground forces, suggesting they have prepared for a high-casualty insurgency similar to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Defined Objectives: Currently, the stated White House objectives (Operation Epic Fury) focus on destroying missiles, the navy, and nuclear capabilities—tasks that can largely be achieved through stand-off munitions rather than territorial occupation.

Summary of Probability​

Scenario	Likelihood	Context
Full-Scale Occupation	Low to Moderate	Extremely high cost and low public support make a total invasion unlikely unless the regime collapses entirely on its own.
Limited Special Ops/Marines	High	Targeted ground raids to secure nuclear sites or "clear" coastal missile batteries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are increasingly probable.
Continued Air/Naval Only	Moderate	The current strategy, though the U.S. is signaling a "dramatic surge" in firepower for the coming days.

More detailed monitoring of the ground troops.

As of March 13, 2026, the tracking of U.S. ground forces shows a significant escalation in readiness, though a full-scale invasion has not yet been ordered. The following is the current status of ground-capable units in the theater:

Current Force Movements​

• The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU): This unit, consisting of approximately 2,200 to 2,500 Marines, was officially ordered to the Middle East today.
  
  • Transport: They are traveling aboard the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and its associated amphibious ready group (likely including the USS San Diego and USS New Orleans).
  • Location: Satellite imagery currently places the USS Tripoli near Taiwan, having just departed its homeport in Japan.
  • Estimated Arrival: They are approximately 7 to 10 days away from the Iranian coast.
• Special Operations: While not "ground troops" in the sense of an army, U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are already active in the region. Recent reports indicate they are operating from bases in Kuwait and Iraq, focusing on "stand-in" targeting for the air campaign.

Strategic Indicators of Ground Action​

The Pentagon and White House have shifted their rhetoric in the last 48 hours, providing clues on how these troops might be used:

• The "Hormuz Objective": The primary mission for the incoming Marines is reportedly to counter Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This could involve "visit, board, search, and seizure" (VBSS) operations or limited ground raids on coastal missile sites that are difficult to hit from the air.
• Presidential Stance: President Trump stated today that while regime change is the ultimate goal, it "may not happen immediately." He notably refused to rule out ground troops for securing nuclear sites or preventing the "machine-gunning" of protesters by the IRGC.
• Military Logic: Air Force Gen. Dan Caine noted that the U.S. has achieved "air superiority," which is the doctrinal prerequisite for ground operations. However, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth explicitly stated, "We are not going to see a replay of the Iraq War."

Summary Table: Ground Force Outlook​

Unit	Status	Potential Mission
31st MEU (Marines)	In Transit (7-10 days out)	Reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Amphibious raids.
Special Forces	Active in Theater	Sabotage, targeting, and securing sensitive materials.
82nd Airborne/Army	On High Alert (CONUS)	Not yet deployed; would signal a full-scale invasion.

Roughly 10-12 days before they get to the waters off the Straight of Hormuz, and from there, one possible option is for them to them sail north into northern Israel and assist Israeli troops with their push into Lebanon. Boots on the ground in Iran? Doubt it - too many will die. Maybe storm and take Kharg Island...possible. Or they will just be there to be there.

 

[KeVinVictus]

This ends like vietnam....

 

[KeVinVictus]

 

[mrln]

Scorched earth policy means boots on the ground eventually. We got to get our oil 🛢

its not just about oil. the chinese want to buy oil from iran. and they want to do it by using the yuan. meanwhile,iran and the rest of the world agreed a long time ago that the world would use the united states currency to purchase oil. thus strengthening that currency. if iran and china go way of the yuan,then other countries would follow. causing the dollar to further weaken,creating a economic collapse in the u.s.
so its more than just oil in the sense that what we all think. its oil, but how its also going to possibly be purchased now. and its repercussions.

 

[PokeyCactus]

I didn’t read all that but I believe we won’t have to send ground troops. If we can get this all sorted out using drones and aircraft, what I’m hoping is it’ll be over in the next few months or so. We just have to make sure there’s nothing left for them to use to manufacture nukes.

 

[REDRUM616]

Nukes are easier than sending boots.

 

[mrln]

I didn’t read all that but I believe we won’t have to send ground troops. If we can get this all sorted out using drones and aircraft, what I’m hoping is it’ll be over in the next few months or so. We just have to make sure there’s nothing left for them to use to manufacture nukes.

the iranians are using 38 dollar drones and were using 4 million dollar missiles to shoot them down.

 

[Solomon Kane]

This ends like vietnam....

Afghanistan

 

[Smokinrav]

I dont see an invasion of any size happening. The Marine amphibious unit being sent is an empty threat, and Iran knows it.
Spec Ops, definitely. But no bigger than squad size.
Have you seen the geography of Iran? An invasion would make the quicksand that is Afghanistan look like a paved road.

 

[Fäthër Cörpsë]

I didn’t read all that but I believe we won’t have to send ground troops. If we can get this all sorted out using drones and aircraft, what I’m hoping is it’ll be over in the next few months or so. We just have to make sure there’s nothing left for them to use to manufacture nukes.

Allied forces bombed the bejesus out of Germany and they didn’t stop until they were fully invaded on both sides.

 

[Grand Mal Caesar]

the iranians are using 38 dollar drones and were using 4 million dollar missiles to shoot them down.

Because we can.