The influential US news outlet The Washington Post has reported that the Pentagon is actively preparing for ground operations in Iran lasting several weeks.

Citing unnamed US government officials familiar with the matter, the report states it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump will ultimately approve the plan to deploy American ground troops to Iran.

According to the proposed strategy, this would not constitute a full-scale war. Instead, the focus would be on small-scale operations involving special forces and regular military units.

US officials believe that more than 4,000 Marines are currently being dispatched to the Gulf region via ship.

Additionally, paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division have been placed on standby.

The Washington Post also noted that discussions regarding the deployment of further troops are ongoing.

The BBC has contacted both the White House and the Pentagon for comment, but has yet to receive a response.
Source: BBC