Massive US military presence in the Middle East, is Trump on the path of ground operations?

While the White House is making diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war with Iran, the US military presence in the Middle East has been increased many times in parallel. President Donald Trump's goal is to strike a final blow through military force if a ceasefire agreement with Tehran cannot be reached.

In the meantime, several thousand US Marines have arrived in the Middle East from Asia on amphibious ships. In addition, about 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division have also been kept ready, who are capable of landing by air anywhere in the world and capturing enemy bases or airports on just 18 hours' notice.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday (March 27) reiterated his hope that the United States can achieve its goal without a major ground war. But analysts say that once the Marines arrive in their positions next week, Trump could order a ground operation to pressure the Strait of Hormuz to open. However, the White House will find it difficult to drag out the conflict too far, given the lack of heavy armored units and the logistical constraints of a long-term war, which could create a devastating stalemate for the global economy.

At the heart of US military planning is Iran’s Kharg Island, through which about 90 percent of the country’s crude oil exports are exported. If the island were captured or destroyed, it would collapse the backbone of Tehran’s economy. Trump has been talking about attacking the island since the 1980s. However, such an operation would be extremely risky, as such an amphibious landing would pose a major challenge for US troops in the face of drone and rocket attacks.

In addition, the US is targeting strategic points in the Strait of Hormuz, such as Qishmi or Larak Island, which are used to block shipping.

On the other hand, recovering 440 kg of highly enriched uranium that went missing after the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities last June could also be one of the main missions for the US military. Marco Rubio has indicated that special forces may be sent to recover the dangerous material. However, according to foreign policy analyst Max Boot, the Trump administration is very concerned about the casualties of US troops, which reduces the possibility of a large-scale ground operation.

For now, Trump has postponed the threat of destroying Iran's power plants until April 6, if no solution is reached through negotiations, the US could start the next phase of the war by destroying infrastructure.

Source: The Guardian.