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Trump Weighs Small Ground Forces in Iran, Outlines Post-War Vision

A report citing sources claims President Donald Trump has privately expressed interest in deploying a small contingent of US ground forces into Iran for specific missions. The report also outlines a Trump vision for a post-conflict Iran involving securing its uranium and establishing oil cooperation similar to the arrangement with Venezuela. The White House has pushed back, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the story relies on anonymous sources not part of the national security team. This comes amid ongoing US military strikes in Iran and a firm stance from Iranian officials against a ceasefire or negotiations.

Key Points: Trump Privately Considers US Ground Troops for Iran: Report

  • Small contingent for strategic missions
  • Post-war vision for Iran's uranium and oil
  • White House dismisses report's sources
  • US has struck over 3,000 targets in Iran
  • Iran says no reason to negotiate with US
2 min read

Trump privately weighs small US ground forces in Iran: Report

Report says Trump discussed deploying small US ground forces in Iran and a post-war plan for its uranium and oil, as White House pushes back.

"President Trump always wisely keeps all options open - Karoline Leavitt"

Washington, March 7

US President Donald Trump has privately expressed serious interest in deploying US ground forces into Iran, according to a report citing multiple sources.

Trump has discussed the idea of deploying ground troops with aides and Republican officials outside the White House, focusing on a small contingent of troops for specific strategic missions rather than a large-scale invasion, Xinhua news agency reported quoting NBC News.

The report cited two US officials -- a former US official and a person with knowledge of the discussions. However, no decision has been made.

Trump has also outlined a vision for a post-war Iran in which its uranium would be secured and a new Iranian government would cooperate with the United States on oil production, similar to the current US-Venezuela arrangement that allows Washington to benefit from Venezuela's oil output, the sources were quoted as saying in the report.

"This story is based on assumptions from anonymous sources who are not part of the President's national security team and are clearly not read into these discussions," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

"President Trump always wisely keeps all options open, but anyone trying to insinuate he is in favor of one option or another proves they have no real seat at the table," Leavitt said in a statement.

Trump told the New York Post earlier this week that while other presidents have ruled out boots on the ground, "I say 'probably don't need them,' (or) 'if they were necessary."

The US forces have struck over 3,000 targets inside Iran since operations began on February 28, with 43 Iranian ships damaged or destroyed, US Central Command said Friday in a post on X.

The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on February 28, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, multiple senior military commanders and hundreds of civilians. Iran has responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US assets across the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told NBC News on Thursday that his country is not requesting a ceasefire and does not see any reason to negotiate with Washington.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is deeply concerning. The region is already unstable. A US ground intervention, even a "small" one, could ignite a wider war. The human cost would be terrible.
A
Arjun K
The report says "no decision has been made" and the White House has denied it. Sometimes media creates more panic than necessary. Let's wait for official confirmation.
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Priyanka N
Our biggest worry should be the safety of Indian citizens and diaspora in the Gulf region. MEA should have contingency plans ready. Also, Chabahar port project is crucial for us—hope it's not affected.
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Michael C
The "post-war Iran" vision sounds incredibly naive. You can't just install a friendly government and expect cooperation. Look at the history of Afghanistan and Iraq. This is a recipe for a long, costly quagmire.
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Karthik V
With elections coming up in the US, is this just talk to look strong? The timing is suspicious. Either way, India must maintain its strategic autonomy and not get pulled into any bloc. Jai Hind!

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