March 7, 2026conflictForeign PolicyMilitary AffairsNational Securitywar powersexecutive authoritymilitary escalation
Trump expands Iran target list and refuses to rule out ground troops
President Trump announced the United States would consider striking targets in Iran not previously included in Operation Epic Fury's original mission set, including new people and locations. Trump simultaneously refused to rule out deploying U.S. ground troops, saying the administration would not reveal its military limits. Pentagon discussions included potential seizure of Kharg Island and coastal raids near the Strait of Hormuz to destroy Iranian anti-ship weapons.