Trump Reportedly Preparing Ground Forces for Iran

JAKARTA - The Donald Trump administration is reportedly making detailed preparations to deploy US ground troops to Iran.

This was reported a day after President Donald Trump told reporters at a press conference that he would not put troops anywhere.

"If I was going to do it, I certainly wouldn't tell you," he said.

CBS News reported that senior military commanders have submitted a special request aimed at preparing for the deployment of American ground forces in Iran as the president coordinates with Israel on the joint use of US and Israeli military resources.

However, the White House said there was no decision on a possible military move by the US President.

"Preparing to provide the Supreme Commander with maximum options is the Pentagon's job, it does not mean that the President has made a decision, and as the President said, he does not plan to send ground troops anywhere at the moment," said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.

In addition to the potential use of US ground forces, the report said military officials have held meetings to prepare for how to handle prisoners of war if Iranian soldiers and paramilitary personnel are detained, and where the prisoners will be held.

While Trump is considering the deployment of US ground troops, Iran continues to attack oil infrastructure in the Gulf region, including a drone attack on Friday that hit an oil refinery in Kuwait, according to media reports. Iran has also fired missiles at targets in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

About 4,000 US military personnel are stationed in Iran, including 2,500 Marines, according to Newsmax. The troops are stationed on three amphibious vessels, which house F-35 fighter jets, missiles, and amphibious vehicles that can be launched from the ship for ground attacks.

The latest figures released by the US military reveal 13 military members have been killed in the war so far and 200 soldiers have been wounded, with no ground troops.