Trump Raises Pressure on Iran With Threat of US Ground Troops

The US is weighing scenarios that include deploying ground troops as it seeks a decisive blow in its war with Iran.

Foreign media reports on July 15 said President Donald Trump was briefed by aides at a White House meeting a day earlier on plans for a ground operation. Since the Middle East war began on Feb. 28, US forces have attacked Iran only through airstrikes. The only time American troops entered Iranian territory was in late March, when they rescued a fighter pilot.

Washington is also considering expanding the scope of military operations beyond the area around the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal reported that three broad strategies are under discussion: intensifying airstrikes, bombing underground nuclear facilities, or sending ground troops to seize islands near the strait.

Kharg Island, through which 90% of Iran's oil passes, is viewed as the most likely target. In a recent Fox News interview, Trump declined to say whether he would send ground troops to the island. Still, he said, "if we weaken Iran enough and push them back, we will do that."

A ground deployment would raise the risk of the conflict expanding into a full-scale war. Some observers interpret the threat as an effort to pressure Iran back to the negotiating table.

Son Ju-hyung, Hankyung.com reporter handbro@hankyung.com