Trump Floats Ground Troops as Iran War Spirals, U.S. Urges Evacuations Amid Escalating Attacks

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signaled openness to deploying U.S. ground troops in Iran as the conflict entered its second week, telling reporters the operation could require “whatever it takes” to achieve “total and unconditional surrender” of the regime. The comments came amid reports the U.S. Army abruptly canceled a major training exercise for the 82nd Airborne Division’s headquarters at Fort Bragg, fueling speculation that rapid-response forces may deploy to the Middle East.

The Washington Post, citing three U.S. officials, reported the cancellation of the exercise for the 82nd Airborne’s Immediate Response Force — a brigade combat team kept on 18-hour alert for missions including airfield seizures and evacuations. While the Pentagon declined to confirm troop movements, the timing raised questions about whether soldiers specializing in ground combat could soon join airstrikes that have targeted Iranian missile sites, naval assets and leadership facilities.

Trump, in a Mar-a-Lago address, projected the campaign could last “four to five weeks” or longer, warning of additional U.S. casualties: “We grieve for the four heroic American service members who have been killed in action… in their memory, we continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve.” He claimed early successes, including destroying 10 Iranian ships and degrading missile production, while vowing to prevent nuclear weapon development and sever support for proxies like Hezbollah.

Iran and its allies have retaliated fiercely. Tehran launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli military sites and U.S. bases across the Gulf, with intercepts reported over Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE. Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, while debris disrupted civilian life, including airport operations. At least six American military personnel have died since the campaign began, one of the deadliest openings to a major confrontation in recent years.

The State Department issued an urgent evacuation advisory for U.S. citizens across 14 countries and territories: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar urged immediate departure via commercial means, citing “serious safety risks.” The advisory follows shelter-in-place orders in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam after a suspected Iranian drone struck the U.S. Embassy compound in Riyadh.

A senior Iranian security official warned American facilities would remain vulnerable as long as they operate under U.S. control. Iran framed its response as lawful self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, targeting only military objectives. At the United Nations, Iran’s ambassador condemned the strikes as aggression without legal basis, accusing Washington of hypocrisy for addressing child protection in conflict while “bombing schools and killing children.”

Russia has provided Iran with intelligence on U.S. ship, aircraft and personnel locations, according to three U.S. officials cited by the Washington Post. China may be preparing to join, supplying financial assistance, spare parts and missile components, per CNN sources familiar with the matter. Trump rated the war a “12 or 15” on a scale of 1 to 10, praising his “performance” while posting images of Bill Maher and dismissing concerns about oil prices, which surged $12 per barrel to $92.50.

Congressional Democrats and some Republicans criticized the lack of authorization. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, warned of spiraling costs and no clear exit: “The one thing you need to know when you decide to go to war in the Middle East is how you get out.” He noted Trump’s shifting goals — from regime change to “different people” running Iran — and predicted a premature “victory” declaration.

Oil prices threaten economic fallout, with gas prices rising 33 cents per gallon in recent days. Trump’s isolation grows, with allies like Ukraine reluctant to assist after past humiliations. Zelenskyy has been asked for help countering Iranian drones, despite Trump’s prior mockery.

As evacuations accelerate and casualties mount, the conflict risks wider regional war. Whether ground troops deploy remains unclear, but Trump’s rhetoric suggests openness to escalation. The coming days will test whether military pressure yields concessions or ignites a broader catastrophe.