Dave Patterson: Is Putting Troops on the Ground in Iran a Good Idea?

As the conflict in Iran continues, a debate is ongoing as to whether the US should put combat troops on the ground in Iran. Naysayers claim such an escalation is unnecessary and puts ground forces at risk. Those who favor the action are as resolute that without soldiers occupying Iranian real estate, there is no winning. Both positions are at opposite poles of the argument. Those against envision an invasion force storming the beaches and airdropping from the skies with enormous casualties. Those in favor believe that there is no opportunity to bring the Tehran government to submission without significant US forces on the ground. Neither position is necessarily right.

Steven Gaskell: Kharg Island - The Strategic Choke Point That Could Break Iran’s Regime

For decades, American military planners have deliberately avoided targeting or seizing Kharg Island. The reason was simple: the island is the beating heart of Iran’s oil economy. Roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports pass through its terminals, meaning any disruption risks sending shockwaves through global energy markets and triggering a wider regional war.