The Pentagon has reportedly drawn up detailed plans for the possible deployment of U.S. ground troops to Iran. The plan comes as the war between Iran, the United States and Israel continues.Top U.S. military commanders have issued specific requests to ensure operational readiness, according to CBS News sources, a sign that the military is preparing for scenarios that could go beyond current air or maritime operations.However, when asked on Thursday about the possibility of sending troops to the Oval Office, Trump said, “No, I’m not sending troops anywhere,” but added, “If I did, I certainly wouldn’t tell you,” suggesting he was keeping that option open.White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt also earlier hinted at a possible invasion, saying the Pentagon’s role was to ensure the president had the “maximum options available” in any crisis. However, she added, “As the president said yesterday in the Oval Office, he has no plans to send ground troops anywhere at this time.”Even so, preparations are progressing on many fronts. Reports say the military has held discussions on how to capture and detain Iranian personnel in the event of an invasion. This includes identifying where detainees will be processed and held, noting the level of planning detail.At the same time, major U.S. military units are also preparing. These include the 82nd Airborne Division, the Marine Corps’ Marine Expeditionary Force and the Army’s Global Response Force.Thousands of Marines currently heading to the Middle East may also be part of the plan. Three Navy ships carrying about 2,200 Marines have left California, the second such deployment since the conflict began. Another force, brought in earlier from the Pacific, was still en route.
