The Pentagon has developed contingency plans for potential ground operations inside Iran that could last weeks, The Washington Post reported Saturday, as thousands of U.S. troops and Marines continue arriving in the Middle East. The plans stop short of a full-scale invasion and would instead involve targeted raids carried out by Special Operations forces and conventional infantry units. Officials speaking anonymously said the missions could expose personnel to Iranian drones and missiles, ground fire, and improvised explosive devices.

President Donald Trump has publicly denied any intention to send troops into Iran, stating on March 20, 'I'm not putting troops anywhere.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the planning is underway but said it does not indicate a decision has been made, noting it is the Pentagon's duty to provide the commander in chief with maximum options. Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately told reporters the conflict 'is not going to be a prolonged conflict' and that U.S. objectives can be achieved without ground forces.

Discussions among U.S. officials have included the possible seizure of Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, as well as coastal raids near the Strait of Hormuz aimed at neutralizing threats to commercial and military shipping. Iran has already bolstered its defenses of Kharg Island in anticipation of a potential operation, according to CNN. Estimated timelines from officials range from 'weeks, not months' to 'a couple of months.'

The planning comes amid an ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began February 28 and has killed more than 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to TRT World. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets. Thirteen American service members have been killed and more than 300 wounded in Iranian retaliatory attacks across at least seven countries over the past month.

Public opposition to a ground campaign remains substantial. An AP-NORC poll found 62 percent of U.S. adults strongly oppose deploying ground troops in Iran, and a Reuters/Ipsos survey found 55 percent do not support the idea. Nevertheless, 65 percent of Americans surveyed by Reuters/Ipsos said they expect Trump to ultimately launch a large-scale ground operation.