The United States is re-evaluating the deployment of ground troops to Iran as recent bilateral strikes have rendered existing end-of-war memorandums effectively void. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the White House Situation Room on November 14 to review potential military maneuvers, including the occupation of key Iranian islands and strikes on fortified nuclear facilities.
Strategic Targets: Kharg Island and Nuclear Infrastructure
Military planning currently focuses on three primary options: the occupation of islands in the Persian Gulf, the bombardment of fortified nuclear sites, and an expansion of aerial strikes. Among the potential targets is Kharg Island, a critical economic hub through which 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports pass. While the U.S. previously considered a ground landing there in March following Iranian threats to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, the option remained dormant until now.
President Trump indicated in a Fox News interview that while an occupation of Kharg Island is not the immediate priority, it remains a viable contingency. “If we weaken them sufficiently and they retreat deep, we will do it,” Trump stated. Regarding nuclear sites, specifically those located within the “Pickaxe Mountain” range, the administration is considering the use of bunker-buster missiles. These facilities are reportedly buried between 91 and 145 meters deep in granite rock. Trump asserted that U.S. bunker-busters are capable of reaching these depths should Iran move toward weaponizing the site.
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Kharg Island serves as the primary terminal for Iran’s oil exports. Because of its economic significance, it has become a central point of leverage in military planning for both sides of the conflict.
The Risks of Escalation and Military Constraints
U.S. Central Command continued its campaign on November 15, conducting three separate strikes against Iranian coastal defense bases and missile storage facilities on Greater Tunb. According to three U.S. officials cited by Reuters, these ongoing operations are designed to degrade Iran’s military capacity before any potential shift to more complex, large-scale combat operations.
However, the strategy carries significant risks. A ground landing on islands fortified with anti-ship missiles could result in substantial U.S. casualties. Furthermore, the effectiveness of strikes against the Pickaxe Mountain site remains uncertain, as intelligence suggests the facility may lack the necessary ventilation or elevator infrastructure required for a successful “bunker-buster” strike. While Trump previously hinted at targeting power plants and bridges, he clarified on November 15 that he prefers not to set public deadlines for such actions, noting that Iranian leadership is already aware of the gravity of the situation.
Iran’s Position and Domestic Response
The Iranian government has signaled a commitment to continued resistance. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, issued a statement on November 15 framing the current situation as an existential conflict. He urged the Iranian public to withstand the pressure, stating that if Iran derives no benefit from the existing end-of-war memorandum, there is no reason to adhere to its terms. Iran responded to the latest U.S. strikes by launching attacks on American facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the U.S. considering ground troops?
Following a breakdown in the end-of-war memorandum and five consecutive days of exchanged fire, the U.S. is exploring options to force Iran back to the negotiating table by increasing military pressure. - What is the significance of Kharg Island?
It is the primary transit point for 90% of Iran’s oil exports, making it a critical economic target for potential U.S. military intervention. - Are the nuclear facilities vulnerable to airstrikes?
While the U.S. maintains that its bunker-buster missiles can penetrate deep into granite, experts note that the success of such strikes depends on the internal infrastructure of the facilities, which may not be fully complete.
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