LEAK: Pentagon Preparing Plans For Possible Deployment of US Troops on the Ground in Iran – Trump Appears to Dispute Leak

The Pentagon is preparing plans for possible troops on the ground in Iran, according to a leak to CBS News.

Operation Epic Fury, a joint military operation between the US and Israel, began on February 28.

So far the military operation has involved the US Air Force and Navy.

The US military has decimated Iran’s missile infrastructure, naval forces, air force and nuclear capabilities, according to the Pentagon.

According to CBS News, senior military commanders are preparing plans for a possible ground invasion.

CBS News reported:

Pentagon officials have made detailed preparations for deploying U.S. ground forces into Iran, multiple sources briefed on the discussions told CBS News.

Senior military commanders have submitted specific requests aimed at preparing for such an option as President Trump weighs moves in the U.S.-Israel-led conflict with Iran, the sources said.

Mr. Trump has been deliberating whether to position ground forces in the region, sources said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

It was unclear under what circumstances he would authorize the use of troops on the ground.

On Thursday, a reporter asked President Trump if he intends to put troops on the ground in Iran.

“Do you intend to potentially put U.S. troops, or more troops, in the region?” a reporter asked President Trump during an Oval Office meeting on Thursday.

“No, I’m not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you — but I’m not putting troops,” Trump said.

WATCH:

"Do you intend to potentially put U.S. troops, or more troops, in the region?"@POTUS: "No, I'm not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you — but I'm not putting troops." pic.twitter.com/OvrcTVtg1U

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 19, 2026

13 US service members have been killed in Operation Epic Fury.

Later Friday, President Trump appeared to dispute the leak to CBS News and said the US is getting very close to winding down our military efforts in the Middle East.

“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran: (1) Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them. (2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base. (3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry. (4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place. (5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others. The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said on Truth Social.

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