March 21, 2026

CBS News: US Actively Preparing for Ground Operation in Iran

The Pentagon is conducting thorough preparations for a possible US ground operation in Iran. This is reported by CBS News, citing several sources. According to the channel's interlocutors, high-ranking military officials have made specific requests related to preparing for such a scenario, as Trump is considering this option for developing a war against Iran. As part of the preparations, the US military held meetings on detaining Iranian soldiers and militants, including determining places where prisoners would be sent. The Rapid Reaction Forces of the ground forces and expeditionary units of the US Marine Corps are participating in the planning. In addition, thousands of Marines are currently being redeployed to the Middle East. According to CBS, three warships carrying about 2,200 Marines from an expeditionary unit departed from California earlier this week. This is the second such unit sent to the region since the beginning of the war. Donald Trump himself previously denied the possibility of a US ground operation in Iran. "Even if I were planning it, I certainly wouldn't tell you," he stated on March 19.