Iran War 2026: The war between Iran and the joint forces of Israel and the US is likely to escalate, with Washington reportedly planning ground operations in Tehran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that over 3,000 American troops have arrived in the US Central Command area of responsibility on March 27. The Trump administration is likely to target the critical energy sites of Iran. However, Iran has warned that any attempt of ground invasion will be dealt with strong retaliation, adding that the US troops will return in coffins.
US Plans Ground Invasion
While US President Donald Trump initially stated that a ground invasion would not be necessary, the plans are likely to change with the war completing a month without any immediate signs of peace. As per a Washington Post report, the Trump administration is likely to conduct raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz, two critical sites of Iran.
While Kharg Island is home to Tehran's largest oil terminal, the disruption in the movement of ships through the Hormuz has led to an energy crisis across the world. The US war experts pointed out that the decision was not taken at the last moment, adding that seizure of Kharg Island would embarrass the Iranian regime, reported the Post.
Iran Vows Retaliation
Iran, on numerous occasions, asserted that the ground invasion attempts will be dealt with full force and the US troops will not return alive. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Iranian Embassy in India said that the Iranian army is waiting for the US troops. "We are waiting for you," it said in its post. "US troops who set foot on Iranian soil will leave only in a coffin," it added.
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The war has already entered its fifth week, and with the entry of Houthis and reports suggesting a ground invasion in Tehran, the crisis in West Asia is likely to worsen in the coming days.