Rubio says US can meet Iran goals without ground troops as Pentagon weighs options

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday, March 27, that the United States can achieve its military objectives in the ongoing Iran conflict without deploying ground troops.

His remarks come as reports indicate the Pentagon is considering sending thousands more troops to the Middle East.

 The developments highlight a dual-track approach of continued military pressure alongside contingency planning. Officials say operations are progressing on schedule, even as tensions remain high.

Rubio says objectives can be met without Ground Forces

Rubio stated that the United States is advancing its military campaign against Iran without the need for ground troop involvement.

“We’re going to destroy their navy, we are going to destroy their air force, and we are going to significantly destroy their missile launchers so they can never hide behind these things to get a nuclear weapon,” he said.

He added that the US is already making progress toward those goals. “We are achieving all of those objectives, we are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops, without any.” 

Addressing the broader timeline of the conflict, Rubio said the operation is expected to conclude relatively quickly. “As the Department of War has consistently outlined, we are on or ahead of schedule in that operation and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here, in a matter of weeks, not months,” he said.

Rubio also commented on reports of Russian involvement, stating that “there is nothing Russia is doing for Iran that is in any way impeding or affecting our operation of the effectiveness of it.” This follows reports suggesting Russia may be sharing intelligence with Iran regarding US military movements.

While emphasizing that ground troops are not required for current objectives, Rubio acknowledged that the administration is preparing for multiple scenarios.

He said Donald Trump “has to be prepared for multiple contingencies,” without elaborating on what those contingencies might entail.

Pentagon weighs additional Troop Deployment amid ongoing conflict

Reports indicate that the US Department of Defense is considering a plan to deploy an additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East.

The potential deployment would reportedly include infantry and armored units, adding to forces already sent to the region, including Marines, sailors, and elements of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

A White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, said, “All announcements regarding troop deployments will come from the Department of War,” adding that “President Trump always has all military options at his disposal.”

The additional forces could expand the range of military options available to the administration, including the possibility of ground operations if required.

Reports suggest the troops could be positioned within proximity of key strategic locations, including the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated a firm stance on Iran, stating, “President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell.” She added, “Iran should not miscalculate again. Their last miscalculation cost them their senior leadership, their navy, their air force and their air defense system.”