US military planners have developed proposals for two potential ground operations inside Iran, according to The Atlantic, as thousands of additional troops arrive in the region. The plans are awaiting authorisation from Donald Trump, who now faces a high-risk decision that could reshape the trajectory of the war.
Citing three informed sources, the report outlines two primary targets. The first involves striking Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iran’s energy exports. The second focuses on seizing enriched uranium stockpiles in an effort to disrupt Tehran’s nuclear programme.
While neither option has been approved, the strategic objective behind targeting Kharg Island is clear. With approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports passing through it, control of the island would significantly weaken the regime’s financial capacity and provide leverage in any future negotiations.
High Risk Operations With Uncertain Outcomes
Despite the scale of these plans, sources indicate that neither operation guarantees a swift end to the war, the collapse of the Iranian government, or the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While such missions could damage the core of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, they offer no certainty of stabilising the region.
The report also confirms that around 3,500 US Marines and sailors arrived in the region over the weekend, with another 3,500 expected in the coming weeks. Hundreds of US special operations forces are already positioned in the area, signalling readiness for escalation.
Conflicting Advice Inside Washington
Trump is facing sharply divided counsel. On one side, figures such as Benjamin Netanyahu and Lindsey Graham are urging decisive military action to deliver a final blow to the Iranian government.
On the other side, influential voices within the “America First” movement are calling for restraint, warning against entering another prolonged conflict that could damage Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.
A War Extending Beyond Expectations
When Trump initially considered a broad offensive against Iran, it followed what he viewed as successful limited operations, including the rapid capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, as well as targeted strikes in Nigeria and earlier phases of the Iran conflict.
The expectation had been for a short campaign lasting days or weeks. Instead, the war has now exceeded one month and continues to expand. Despite repeatedly declaring that victory is near, Iran remains capable of launching attacks and effectively disrupting navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Domestic Pressure and Economic Strain
Although most Republican leaders publicly support Trump, public opinion appears to be shifting. A Reuters Ipsos poll of 1,021 respondents found that two thirds of Americans favour ending the war quickly, even if its objectives are not fully achieved.
Economic concerns are also intensifying. Rising fuel prices have become a key issue, with petrol costs exceeding four dollars per gallon for the first time since 2022. Some Republican strategists warn that a prolonged ground invasion with significant casualties could trigger a political backlash, potentially handing control of one or both chambers of Congress to Democrats.
Gulf Tensions and Strategic Friction
Gulf states are navigating a complex position. While expressing frustration at not being consulted prior to the war, countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are simultaneously advocating for the removal of the Iranian government rather than leaving it weakened but capable of retaliation.
The Uranium Seizure Plan
In a related development, The Washington Post reported that the US military has presented Trump with a plan to seize approximately 450 kilograms of highly enriched uranium inside Iran.
According to two informed sources, the operation would involve deploying drilling equipment and constructing a temporary runway to allow cargo aircraft to transport radioactive materials out of the country. The proposal was presented last week at Trump’s request, alongside detailed assessments of the significant operational risks involved.
A War Without a Clear Exit
Trump is now searching for a viable exit strategy. The central question, according to The Atlantic, is what benchmark must be achieved before declaring victory.
The president did not establish a clear justification for the war at its outset, nor did he invest heavily in building public support. While he continues to project confidence publicly, reports suggest growing private frustration over the conflict’s duration.
Trump has extended multiple deadlines for strikes on Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, a move that could risk destabilising the Iranian state. He has also expressed frustration towards US allies, including NATO members, for refusing to assist in reopening the waterway, warning that they may need to “learn to fight on their own”.
