U.S. Sources Say Ground Operation in Iran Under Consideration - Could Last for Weeks

U.S. officials have told The Washington Post that a ground operation in Iran is under consideration and could last several weeks, according to a report published on Saturday. The report, citing unnamed American sources, said the operation is being discussed as part of broader contingency planning amid the escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel.

According to the report, the scenario under review would mark a significant escalation from the current strategy, which has largely focused on airstrikes and long-range operations.

Officials were quoted as saying that any ground maneuver would likely be limited in scope but could extend over a period of weeks, depending on operational developments and resistance on the ground.

No official confirmation 

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has publicly confirmed the report, and officials stressed that no final decision has been made.

The discussions are said to be part of ongoing assessments of military options as tensions with Iran continue to rise.

Concerns over broader regional escalation

Analysts say that any ground operation inside Iran would carry significant risks, including the potential for a wider regional conflict and retaliation from Iranian allies such as Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups.

The report comes amid continued missile exchanges and growing international concern over the trajectory of the conflict.

Diplomatic efforts continue 

Even as military options are being weighed, diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran are ongoing, aimed at preventing further escalation.

Officials have warned, however, that the situation remains fluid, with the possibility of rapid developments on both the military and diplomatic fronts.