US Weighs Major Military Expansion in Gulf as Iran War Intensifies
The United States is considering a significant expansion of military operations in the Gulf region as the conflict with Iran escalates, with active discussions underway to secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to a Reuters report, US officials are evaluating various options to ensure safe passage for oil tankers through this narrow waterway, which handles approximately one-fifth of the global oil supply.
Plans for Air, Naval, and Ground Operations
The proposed mission would primarily rely on air and naval power, but officials have also debated the possibility of deploying ground troops to Iran's coastline if necessary. Such a move would represent a major escalation in the conflict, carrying substantial military and political risks, as noted by sources quoted in the report.
Discussions have extended to the prospect of sending US forces to Kharg Island, a key facility that manages around 90 percent of Iran's oil exports. While the US has already conducted strikes on military targets on the island, controlling it could offer greater strategic advantages than outright destruction. However, the island remains highly vulnerable to Iranian missile and drone attacks, making any ground operation particularly hazardous.
Pentagon Seeks Over $200 Billion for War Effort
Simultaneously, the Pentagon has requested more than $200 billion from the White House to sustain and expand the war effort. This funding, which far exceeds the cost of the current air campaign, is aimed at replenishing rapidly depleting precision munitions and boosting weapons production.
The proposal is expected to spark a fierce political battle in Congress, where public support for the war remains limited. While some Republicans have indicated backing for additional funding, the scale of the request—surpassing even recent US spending on Ukraine—raises questions about its viability.
Focus on Iran's Nuclear Capabilities
The administration of Donald Trump has further examined options to secure Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpiles, a task experts describe as complex even for elite forces. A White House official stated that no decision has been made to deploy ground troops, emphasizing that the president "keeps all options at his disposal" while pursuing objectives such as dismantling Iran's missile capabilities and preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Escalating Regional Tensions and Economic Impact
These deliberations occur as US Central Command reports over 7,800 strikes carried out since the war began on February 28, targeting Iran's navy, missile systems, and defense infrastructure, and damaging more than 120 vessels.
The military and political calculations are unfolding against a rapidly deteriorating regional backdrop. Iran has intensified strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf, including in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, oil prices have surged above $108 a barrel due to disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the economic stakes of the conflict.
