While Trump denies: the US military is preparing the ground for an invasion of Iran

The sources, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that Trump is considering the possibility of deploying ground forces in the region, although it is not yet clear under what circumstances he will approve the deployment of forces on the ground. When asked about this on Thursday in the Oval Office, the president rejected the claims and told reporters: “No, I am not deploying forces anywhere.”

Despite the denials, according to the CBS report, the American military has already held preparatory meetings for the possibility of arresting Iranian soldiers and militia activists, including discussions on the location to which the detainees will be sent if the order is indeed accepted and American boots step on Iranian soil. Military planning includes the Army’s Global Response Force and the US Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Force. In addition, the US is preparing to deploy elements of the 82nd Airborne Division in the Middle East.

The first force, sent from the Pacific region, is still making its way to the region. These moves underscore the Pentagon’s effort to expand the military options available to President Trump, even as administration officials publicly refuse to discuss the next steps in the conflict.