Tensions across the Middle East are escalating following reports that the United States, alongside the Israeli occupation, is preparing for a limited ground operation inside Iran. The reported objectives include seizing Khark Island and launching strikes along the coastline overlooking the Strait of Hormuz.
A report by the Russian outlet Gazeta, citing information from The Washington Post, outlines preparations for a US-led ground campaign that could last several weeks. According to these disclosures, the military plans are described as “top secret” and extensive in scope, focusing on strategic control points and maritime threats.
Limited Operation, Not Full-Scale Invasion
Sources indicate that any ground operation would not amount to a full invasion of Iran. Instead, it would involve targeted raids aimed at neutralising weapons systems that threaten maritime navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
These missions would reportedly be carried out by special operations forces and infantry units tasked with tracking and dismantling such capabilities. The strategy reflects a controlled escalation designed to achieve tactical objectives without triggering a broader war.
Investigative reports further reveal that the administration of Donald Trump had, over the past month, examined the possibility of seizing Khark Island in the Arabian Gulf. The island hosts Iran’s largest oil terminal, making it a critical economic and strategic asset. Additional plans include conducting strikes along Iran’s southern coastline.
According to The Washington Post, any US control over Iranian territory would place Tehran in a politically difficult position while providing Washington with significant leverage in future negotiations.
A former Pentagon official confirmed that these plans are neither recent nor improvised, describing them as highly classified and developed over time.
Operational Risks and Military Build-Up
Despite the strategic ambitions, US officials acknowledge that the greatest challenge would be securing and protecting American forces once deployed داخل Iranian territory.
The US Central Command has already announced the deployment of approximately 3,500 Marines and sailors to the region. This deployment is supported by fighter aircraft, transport planes, and tactical landing and assault equipment, signalling a substantial military build-up.
Iranian Response: “Awaiting the American Soldiers”
In response to these developments, Iranian officials have issued strong warnings. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of duplicity, stating that while the United States publicly speaks of negotiations, it is secretly preparing for a ground assault.
Iranian state media quoted Ghalibaf as saying that the enemy “pretends to send messages about negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack”. He added that the Iranian people are prepared to confront any invading forces and respond decisively.
Global Implications and Russian Concerns
The Kremlin has warned that any US or Israeli military operation against Iran would have long-term consequences extending beyond the region.
Dmitry Peskov stated in remarks to Russian media that the global economy and regional geopolitics are already experiencing severe disruption. He emphasised that the potential fallout would not be short-lived but would leave lasting effects.
Iran’s Multi-Layered Defence Strategy
In parallel, reports from Russian outlet Pravda indicate that Iran has developed an eight-tiered defence system designed to counter any potential ground invasion. This system relies on close coordination between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the regular army, and volunteer forces.
First and Second Defensive Lines
The first defensive layer consists of specialised units tasked with rapidly identifying and destroying enemy landing zones. These include IRGC naval units, army marines, the 65th Airborne Brigade, special forces brigades, and four integrated ground brigades trained in anti-helicopter warfare, positioned across Iranian Gulf islands.
The second line includes elite special forces brigades and airborne units described as highly qualified for complex field operations under critical conditions.
Veteran Forces and Popular Mobilisation
A third layer comprises veteran fighters with extensive combat experience, particularly from operations in Syria. The final layer depends on mass mobilisation, with large numbers of trained and armed volunteers deployed, especially in vulnerable border regions in western and southern Iran.
According to military sources, each layer functions not as a passive الدفاع system but as an independent offensive structure designed to destroy enemy forces and capture invading troops.
Tactical Countermeasures Against US Forces
Iran’s response strategy includes planting smart minefields in potential landing zones and maintaining mobile surveillance teams equipped with thermal imaging to counter US night combat advantages.
To counter helicopters, Iranian infantry units are equipped with shoulder-launched air defence systems such as “Misagh”, similar to the Russian Igla system.
Additionally, Iran plans to deploy thousands of mobile units using motorcycles and light trucks armed with anti-tank guided missiles such as Almas and Tufan. These units can rapidly converge on landing sites and launch precision short-range missile strikes using systems like Fateh and multiple rocket launchers.
Iranian forces are also expected to target US transport aircraft such as the C-17 and C-130, as well as helicopters like the V-22 Osprey, using mobile air defence systems including Khordad-3 and Majid, both capable of rapid repositioning.
Electronic Warfare and Urban Strategy
Iran is reportedly enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities to disrupt visibility and coordination during landing operations. This includes targeting GPS systems and satellite communications, which are critical to US precision strike capabilities.
A decentralised “mosaic defence” system has also been established, with pre-positioned stockpiles of weapons and supplies across different regions. In the event that US forces capture key infrastructure such as airports or bridges, they would be quickly encircled by Basij units familiar with local terrain.
Iranian strategy ultimately aims to neutralise US technological superiority by drawing forces into intense urban combat or rugged mountainous terrain, where air support advantages are significantly reduced.
