The US Department of War has produced detailed plans involving the use of ground troops in the war on Iran, CBS News reported on Friday, citing unnamed officials.
The plans include options for the president in scenarios where Iranians are captured and detained, as well as how to handle paramilitary forces.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CBS that it's normal procedure for the Pentagon to ensure President Donald Trump has several options at his disposal, and that it "does not mean the president has made a decision" to deploy soldiers anywhere.
A total of four warships and more than 4,000 US Marines have been ordered to the Middle East thus far, with the first set to arrive from the Pacific region in about a week.
The administration's moves suggest this will be a protracted war, but the president has also been trying to make declarations that can, at least temporarily, calm volatile markets.
Middle East Eye ISSN 2634-2456
