The United States reportedly hinted to allies that there are no plans for a ground invasion of Iran.

Insiders say that even though the Trump administration has deployed thousands of troops to the Middle East, the United States has hinted to its allies that it has no plans to launch a ground offensive against Iran.

But the sources, who requested anonymity, warned that Trump could change course at any time or continue to carry out attacks. They said that forces deployed in the Middle East can take on multiple roles, including helping evacuate U.S. citizens and creating a sense of “strategic ambiguity” regarding the intentions of U.S. troops.

The White House has not yet responded to a request for comment. When asked by the media about reports that the U.S. may send an additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East, spokesperson Anna Kelly said that all such announcements would be issued by the Pentagon and that Trump “always has all military options.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that the United States does not need to use ground forces to achieve its goals in Iran, but the presence of troops gives Trump options.

Rubio told reporters: “The president must be prepared for a range of contingencies, and I’m not going to discuss these in the media. We can achieve all our objectives without ground forces. But we are always prepared to give the president the maximum range of choices, so that if a contingency arises, we can maximize our chances.”

On March 27, a first responder checked a building after being attacked in Tehran.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Defense has deployed two Marine Corps expeditionary units to the Middle East, totaling about 5,000 soldiers. The first unit is scheduled to arrive on Saturday, while the second will take more time. The Pentagon has also ordered the deployment of about 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army.

These actions have prompted speculation about whether Trump is preparing for a ground attack. Possible scenarios include seizing key Iranian oil export hub Queshm Island, taking Iranian nuclear materials, or occupying the coastline near the Strait of Hormuz.

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Byline: He Yun