Is the US preparing ground raids in Iran as tensions escalate in the region?

Washington: The United States is preparing contingency plans for possible ground operations in Iran, including raids on key strategic locations, according to a report published on Saturday.

The Pentagon is preparing plans for weeks of ground operations in Iran -- potentially including raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz -- though President Donald Trump has not yet approved any deployment, the Washington Post reported Saturday.

The proposed operations are said to fall short of a full-scale invasion, instead focusing on targeted raids carried out by special operations forces and conventional infantry units.

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Despite the reported preparations, US President Donald Trump has not yet authorised any deployment.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that Washington could achieve its objectives without the need for ground troops.

However, the report suggests planning is already at an advanced stage, with one official quoted as saying the efforts are not being developed at the last minute.

The developments come amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing concerns over the potential for further escalation.