Will Trump send ground troops against Iran? What will Europe do?

The possibility looms that Donald Trump may order the deployment of U.S. ground troops into Iran, a move that could escalate the current conflict into its most perilous phase. Such an action might dismantle existing security structures in the Middle East and potentially redraw the region's state map, reminiscent of the post-World War II era.

Trump's administration appears to have moved beyond the initial phase of aerial offensives, which were deemed insufficient to cripple Iran's defense capabilities. Military strategists traditionally advise against ground invasions due to their inherent risks, high costs, and bloody nature. Ancient texts by Sun Tzu and modern analyses by Clausewitz and Raymond Aron emphasize achieving objectives through overwhelming displays of force or minimal cost, principles seemingly disregarded in the current context.

The article highlights a sequence of events: Trump declared an end to the ceasefire on July 8 and officially informed Congress on July 10 of the resumption of U.S. military operations against Iran. This followed a June 17 agreement that suspended actions in exchange for Iran guaranteeing free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. The White House's letter to Congress on June 10 retroactively initiated the 60-day period required by the War Powers Act for congressional approval of military operations.

Following renewed American airstrikes and Trump's announcement of the naval blockade's resumption, analysts speculate about the next steps. If Trump orders a ground deployment, operational plans reportedly discussed at the White House involve occupying strategic Iranian islands like Kharg to paralyze the country's economy. Special forces operations in the Persian Gulf are also a potential component.