Trump Hints at Potential Ground Operation Against Iran Amidst Escalating Tensions

Washington. US President Donald Trump has signaled a potential ground operation, i.e., a military operation by land, amidst escalating tensions with Iran. However, he has not disclosed any clear plan or who would conduct such an operation. 

In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that he does not want a ground war but that a ground operation might be necessary at times. Trump mentioned that others could conduct such an operation for the US, but did not name any specific powers or countries.

According to military analysts, if such an operation were to be conducted, potential targets could include Iran's main oil export center, Kharg Island, or the southern coastal areas of the Persian Gulf. However, analysts say that landing US military or allied forces safely on Iran's coast and sustaining them there for a long time would be extremely complex and risky.

To make a military attack successful on both water and land, special maritime and geographical conditions are required. Once a potential landing area is identified, the defending side can concentrate its security forces in that location.

Mines can be laid or other obstacles can be placed in the sea route for landing. Then, drones, nomadic attack weapons, cannons, mortars, and light weapons can be used to target the soldiers who have landed on the shore.

According to analysts, the supply system for continuously providing essential materials like weapons, medicine, food, and water to the soldiers who reach the shore can also be a major challenge for the attacking side. This is because the supply ships are also at risk of the same type of attack. 

US Army Captain Daniel S. Hojestin, in an article published in the military journal Military Review, has mentioned that the balance of modern coastal warfare is currently strongly in favor of the defending side.

Meanwhile, according to the US Department of Defense, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising over 2,000 soldiers, is currently deployed in the West Asia region aboard ships of the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group. Such Marine units are generally used for rescue, amphibious assaults, coastal raids, and other special military operations.

They also include soldiers capable of conducting land, air, and special operations. In addition, the Immediate Response Force of the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division can be mobilized for operations such as taking control of a port or airport within a few hours.