Pentagon ‘prepares for major escalation in Iran War with ground operations set to last for weeks’ as U.S. Marines arrive in the Middle East | 28 March 2026 | The Pentagon is gearing up for ground operations in Iran which could last several weeks officials revealed as thousands of U.S. Marines pour into the Middle East. Defense chiefs are bracing for what insiders describe as a “major escalation,” though any military action is expected to stop short of an all-out invasion, sources told The Washington Post. Instead they will use Special Operations forces backed by infantry troops, according to the sources. It remains unclear if President Donald Trump has or will approve the Pentagon’s reported plans. It comes as the U.S. 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in the region on Saturday, bringing around 3,500 additional troops. The president reportedly continues to mull whether to send an additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East to give Washington more military options.