Trump Won’t Rule Out Ground Troops as Iran War Enters Third Day

President Trump on Monday refused to rule out deploying U.S. Ground troops to Iran, saying he would consider it “if necessary,” as his administration offered conflicting timelines on how long the military operation would continue. The conflict has already resulted in casualties on both sides, including six U.S. Service members and over 550 people in Iran and Israel.

Trump Signals Flexibility on Troop Deployment

In an interview with the New York Post, Trump stated he does not have “the yips with respect to boots on the ground” and would not categorically rule out sending troops to Iran, adding he “probably” doesn’t need them but would use them if needed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment during a press briefing at the Pentagon, declining to rule out ground troop deployment and stating it would be “foolishness” to publicly limit U.S. Options NBC Washington.

Conflicting Timelines for Military Operation

President Trump has presented varying timelines for the duration of the conflict. Initially announcing the strikes on Saturday, he described the operation as “massive and ongoing,” urging Iranian forces to surrender and calling on civilians to rise up against their government. He later suggested the campaign might conclude in “two or three days.” On Sunday, he indicated a four-week timeframe and on Monday reiterated this, but added it “could proceed longer.” CBS News

Key Developments in the Conflict

• Khamenei’s Death: The initial strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, eliminating Iran’s highest political and religious authority. CBS News
• Casualties: At least 555 people have been killed in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, including deaths in a strike on a girls’ elementary school. Eleven people have been killed in Israel. CBS News
• U.S. Casualties: Six U.S. Service members have been killed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes. CBS News
• Friendly Fire Incident: Kuwait shot down three U.S. F-15 jets in a “friendly fire incident,” but all crew members are safe. CBS News
• Attacks on Saudi Arabia: The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was attacked by two drones, causing minor damage. NBC Washington
• Targeted Strikes: U.S. Central Command reported destroying Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. CBS News

U.S. Objectives and Future Strategy

Trump outlined the U.S. Objectives as destroying Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and navy, ending its nuclear ambitions, and curbing support for proxy groups. Defense Secretary Hegseth stated the war would not be “endless” and the U.S. Goal was not regime change. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the next phase of the operation would be “even more punishing.” NBC Washington

The conflict is also impacting global markets, with the price of oil rising sharply as supplies are disrupted. Countries are working to evacuate their citizens from Gulf states amid widespread flight cancellations and airport closures.