The war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to intensify, with Washington seeking broad operational flexibility. While air and naval strikes remain the primary tools of engagement, US officials have left open the possibility of deploying ground troops if the situation escalates further.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said there are currently no American forces operating inside Iran, but declined to rule out future action. When asked whether US troops were on Iranian soil, he replied that they were not, but added that the administration would not outline what it may or may not do going forward. He stressed that President Donald Trump wants adversaries to understand that the United States will go as far as necessary to protect its interests.
Hegseth’s remarks suggest that although Washington is presently relying on aerial and maritime operations, broader military options remain under consideration as Iran continues missile and drone attacks across the region and against US bases.
He also stated that the campaign is not aimed at regime change or military occupation and rejected comparisons to past prolonged interventions. According to him, the objective is not nation-building or open-ended conflict, but a focused effort to neutralise threats. He reiterated that the operation is designed to avoid becoming another Iraq-style war.
US officials say the goal of the campaign is to dismantle Iran’s missile systems, drone capabilities, naval forces and nuclear infrastructure after years of tensions with Tehran. Hegseth described the conflict as the culmination of that rivalry, asserting that while the US did not initiate the confrontation, it intends to bring it to a decisive conclusion.
Since hostilities began, US and Israeli forces have struck Iranian military and nuclear sites and killed senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has launched multiple waves of missiles and drones targeting Israel, Gulf countries and US installations.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society reports that at least 555 people have died in Iran since the strikes began. The United States has confirmed that four of its troops have been killed.
Iran’s senior leadership has stated that Tehran will not negotiate with Washington under current conditions. The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah are exchanging strikes. Explosions have also been reported in Gulf cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, underscoring the widening scope of the confrontation.
