Republican lawmakers were reported to have left a confidential briefing on Iran in anger. The legislators exited the classified session amid concerns that the US might be gearing up for a land invasion of Iran following the rejection of Trump’s ceasefire request. Approximately 7,000 US troops are currently en route to the Middle East, including units from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and the Marines, prompting speculation about the next phase of the conflict.
Tensions ran high on Capitol Hill as Pentagon leaders briefed the House Armed Services Committee, leading to politicians storming out of the confidential meeting in frustration. Nancy Mace expressed her displeasure, stating that they had been deceived, while committee chair Mike Rogers voiced dissatisfaction over the lack of satisfactory responses.
According to a source, the US is moving towards a ground operation as Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz. Lawmakers were reportedly presented with three military objectives: targeting Kharg Island, Iran’s vital oil export center; its nuclear facilities; and bringing about a change in regime. These objectives diverge from the goals previously communicated by the White House, which aimed at dismantling Iran’s missiles, navy, proxies, and nuclear capabilities.
During a Cabinet meeting, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reiterated the mission’s focus on preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons and navy, along with completely dismantling their missile program and defense industry. He emphasized that these objectives have remained consistent since the beginning.
Iran has been laying mines along the coast of Kharg Island, which has been under consideration as a potential target for a US ground assault in recent discussions.