Trump weighs possible US troop deployment to Iran as war enters fourth week

WASHINGTON – 21 March 2026: The United States has drawn up detailed military plans for a potential deployment of ground forces into Iran, according to multiple American media reports citing informed sources.

Senior US military commanders have submitted specific requests to prepare for such a scenario, CBS News reported, outlining options that could be activated depending on decisions taken by President Donald Trump.

Despite the planning, Trump downplayed the likelihood of an imminent deployment.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, he said, “No, I’m not putting troops anywhere,” before adding, “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: “It's the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality, it does not mean the President has made a decision, and as the President said in the Oval Office yesterday, he is not planning to send ground troops anywhere at this time.”

Among the options under discussion is a potential operation targeting Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategic hub that handles roughly 90% of the country’s oil exports, sources familiar with the matter and US officials told Reuters.

However, officials cautioned that any such move would carry significant risks as Iran has the capability to strike the island using missiles and drones.