According to a report by NBC News citing U.S. officials, former President Donald Trump is seriously considering the possibility of deploying American ground forces into Iran. The report states that Trump has held informal discussions about sending troops both with close aides and with Republican figures outside the White House. He is also said to have outlined his vision for Iran’s post-conflict landscape.
Nuclear Control and Energy Cooperation
The scenario reportedly under review includes placing Iran’s nuclear material under strict international oversight. Additionally, Washington could potentially partner with a new Iranian government in the energy sector—particularly in oil extraction—a model reminiscent of U.S. engagement with Venezuela.
Limited Deployment, No Final Decision
Importantly, the idea does not involve a large-scale military invasion. Instead, it envisions deploying a limited number of U.S. troops for specific, strategically critical missions. As of now, however, no final decision has been made, nor has any formal order been issued to the U.S. armed forces.
White House Pushes Back
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the report by calling it speculative, based on anonymous sources outside Trump’s inner national security circle. She emphasized that these sources lack full knowledge of internal deliberations. Leavitt reiterated that Trump keeps all strategic options open—and stressed that anyone claiming to know his preferred course of action is not involved in the decision-making process.
Public vs. Private Stance
In public statements, Trump has not ruled out deploying troops to Iran, though the current conflict has largely been confined to airstrikes. Sources indicate he appears more receptive to the idea in private conversations than his public remarks suggest. Speaking to the New York Post, Trump acknowledged: “I have no problem sending troops onto the ground.” He added that while other presidents have ruled out ground deployments outright, “I say, we probably won’t need to.”