Ammon News - The Pentagon is ‌preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran, the Washington ​Post reported Saturday, ​citing U.S. officials.

The plans could ⁠involve raids by Special ​Operations and conventional infantry ​troops, the Post reported. Whether President Donald Trump would approve any ​of those plans ​remains uncertain, according to the Post.

The ‌Trump ⁠administration has deployed U.S. Marines to the Middle East as the war in ​Iran ​stretches ⁠into its fifth week, and also has ​been planning to ​send thousands ⁠of soldiers from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne to ⁠the ​region.

American military operations entered their second month on Saturday, following the US-Israel joint attacks on Iranian military facilities and officials on Feb. 28, which saw the elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and approximately 40 senior leaders.

“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Washington Post.

The troop movement would fall short of a full-scale invasion, but could still put US military servicemembers in danger of Iranian military weapons.

Roughly 10,000 American troops were being considered for deployment to the Middle East last week, to boost the already significant military presence in the Gulf region, giving Trump additional military options.

The potential reinforcement would add to the nearly 5,000 Marines and sailors and roughly 2,000 members of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division already deployed.

The 82nd Airborne Division, a premier rapid-response unit, is frequently placed on high alert due to its ability to deploy quickly to global hotspots, making it a key asset in emerging conflicts.