U.S. considers escalation options in Iran conflict

U.S. officials are weighing three possible routes to intensify the dispute with Iran: expanding strikes against Iran’s critical infrastructure, targeting its nuclear facilities, or launching a ground invasion, though a land operation is deemed unlikely. The analysis cites a recent Western newspaper report that the United States may plan to seize enriched uranium stocks and mobilise thousands of troops for such a purpose.

Former U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta likened a potential Iranian war to the Vietnam conflict, warning that without a clear objective the struggle could become costly and strategically burdensome. He emphasized that the main challenge is converting military pressure into a stable political outcome, and noted the economic and strategic toll of a prolonged engagement would increase for Washington.