Republican Congressman: US Ground Troops 'May Be Required' in Iran

A Republican congressman publicly stated that US ground troops 'may be required' in Iran, raising the possibility that the conflict could expand beyond the current air-strike-only campaign into a land operation. The statement represents the first prominent congressional voice from the Republican side to publicly float a ground campaign, and signals that at least some elements of the administration's political base are prepared to support a significant expansion of the war. Military analysts note that a ground operation in Iran would involve one of the most complex and high-risk land campaigns in modern US military history given Iran's size, terrain, and the sophistication of its ground defense infrastructure. The comment adds to domestic political pressure on the administration as the Strait of Hormuz deadline approaches.