Washington: The United States is significantly escalating its military posture in the Middle East as the ongoing conflict involving Iran enters a critical phase, raising fears of a broader regional war.
According to reports by Reuters and The Washington Post, the Pentagon is actively preparing for a sustained ground campaign in Iran that could last for several weeks.
The proposed plans reportedly include coordinated raids by Special Operations Forces alongside conventional infantry units. However, uncertainty remains over whether US President Donald Trump will authorize such operations, as political and strategic debates continue within the administration.
In parallel with these preparations, Washington has already initiated one of its largest military buildups in the region in over two decades. The deployment includes approximately 50,000 troops, multiple warships, and two aircraft carriers.
Most recently, the US Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli arrived in the region carrying 2,500 Marines, reinforcing American combat readiness.The situation has drawn sharp criticism domestically.
Speaking at a major rally in Minnesota, US Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the war, calling it a violation of international law. He accused the government of misleading the public, drawing parallels with past conflicts such as Vietnam and Iraq, and vowed to oppose additional military funding requested by the administration.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to escalate across multiple fronts. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed three journalists, with local authorities alleging that medical responders were also targeted.
The Israeli military has claimed that certain civilian facilities are being used for military purposes, a justification that has drawn international scrutiny.
In a further escalation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued warnings that US-linked institutions in the Middle East could be targeted if attacks on Iranian infrastructure continue.
At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have intensified their involvement, launching repeated missile and drone strikes against Israel within a 24-hour period.
The convergence of these developments underscores the growing complexity of the conflict, with multiple state and non-state actors now directly engaged.
Analysts warn that any US ground intervention in Iran could dramatically widen the war, potentially drawing in additional regional powers and disrupting global energy markets.
As diplomatic options appear increasingly limited, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the conflict moves toward de-escalation or plunges deeper into a prolonged and devastating war.