Using US ground troops against Iran could prove very costly, retired generals say
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Retired generals warn that deploying U.S. ground troops against Iran would substantially escalate conflict and increase American casualties.
AI Summary
Retired generals have warned ABC News that deploying U.S. ground troops against Iran would substantially escalate military conflict and expose American forces to significant casualty risk. The assessment reflects concern within the military establishment about the potential costs of direct ground intervention in a conflict with Iran. A ground war against Iran would represent a major escalation beyond current U.S. military operations in the region, which have primarily involved air strikes and naval presence. The cautionary views from senior military figures carry weight in ongoing policy discussions about how far Washington is willing to go in confronting Iranian military capabilities and regional influence.
Source Coverage Map
24 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Middle East war live: Houthis claim first attack on Israel as Iran conflict enters second month

Trump news at a glance: Saudi Arabia wants US to intensify its war on Iran – its regional rival
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
National SecurityAs US troops sail to Middle East, how likely is Trump to order boots on the ground?
<p>Secretary of state Marco Rubio repeats administration’s belief that US can achieve its aims without a ground war</p><p>Amid tentative White House efforts at diplomacy to end the war in Iran, US troops have also been arriving in the region to deliver what Donald Trump has hoped could be a knockout blow if he can’t negotiate a ceasefire with Tehran.</p><p>Thousands of US marines aboard navy amphibious ships from the 31st and 11th expeditionary units have been deployed to the Middle East from Asia. Another 2,000-odd <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/24/middle-east-violence-trump-claims-very-good-talks-iran">paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne</a> are also being sent to the theatre – they are tasked with deploying worldwide within 18 hours of notification and execute parachute assaults, including against a “defended airfield” to prepare for further ground operations.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/28/as-us-troops-sail-to-middle-east-how-li...
National SecurityRussia sought to blackmail US using intelligence to Iran, Zelenskiy says - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitAFBVV95cUxNRWNIMDl0a0pqQVN0UGdLVU9vd1hfSUVybUozczJTU3BWcTE1emg1dHZwZkY3OGdjaTZfcnp2TlRjYzRQRGtrWXhuVWd3MkJseUxzRGNXQ2FWY2hlU3RMS2NueUdvMG1FV3RaMlBjUExDSC1yZ2FMMVZMSWtxTmtNR1d0dks5SDA5S1VIOVFQeEtqZXZkX18wbUlYTUdTdV9RYTB0OHpoTUNpZWdFVjl5TkV5OXE?oc=5" target="_blank">Russia sought to blackmail US using intelligence to Iran, Zelenskiy says</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
FinanceDollar regains ground as investors remain cautious about end to Iran war - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitAFBVV95cUxOa2hRcnZDZGZHaHhLX0NDN2VOVVdJZGVEcy0tNHFsMUlWckxNNTdGbllreGctcm55SGY3OFZKekJpWTFLeHlOckFibkpDRGw3QjRSOW9sczhuenJ0Qm40aU5jZzVweU00SDFwNkxZUkJpdUFpbWJLTUtzVjZXYVNDT1NCbmFYNm5MVVNNR3F5STUzTDZrZjFIdlRxaEpUTUJlRnN6WGRPRWhHcVpyeHdlSkNaRlQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Dollar stands tall as markets turn cautious on Middle East war</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
PoliticsTrump approval sinks to 36 percent in Reuters/Ipsos poll amid gas price spike, Iran war
President Trump’s approval rating is taking a hit during his administration’s military operations against Iran, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The president’s job performance rating sunk to a new low of 36 percent in the Reuters/Ipsos survey, with 62 percent of respondents saying they disapproved of Trump’s performance. A survey from the polling center only…
National SecurityU.S. troops injured in attack on Saudi base as the war reaches one month
As the war in Iran reaches the one-month mark, a Iranian strike on a U.S. airbase in Saudi Arabia wounded several U.S. service members.
National SecurityRussia is sending upgraded drones used in the Ukraine war to Iran, officials say - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipwFBVV95cUxNSUtJSnhWQVFTMXh0MEEydkpPLUVycG13WjRWcU1CVERBWWotOEpZY2ppdjZKRHlqOWlKSjFvc251c0dIUTJHM251aWtCV3hsdlQ2QlZRU21PckZnMU9lV1JmUzY1MlZBeGxjRldmX3J4eFZfNkR2azRRR3NWOGRHRjhQT21kTlVaZXY3MVNxUUR5bjl0VUJqdk1qdlBYY2hkRUdQcEt5Yw?oc=5" target="_blank">Russia is sending upgraded drones used in the Ukraine war to Iran, officials say</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

US uses hundreds of Tomahawk missiles on Iran, alarming some at Pentagon, WaPo reports - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi1AFBVV95cUxQaWlEeG1iQ3BYdWtGQXlGT09ieHV5cTJic05XT3pHaWpHOWtFVTBhd3I0d0o2WlhlaUZpb3RCMXVhdi1RNXRUdkpuMjU4LWJOd3NISWlnRy1aMFVCTFNGNHZ3UUljQ1RYYXdrcTl1MkJ1aDJKdE9NUHBJUWtZZVNHRmJhMmtMMV9nR1FCZ3FsN09OOE01NDBHdUVLMjNZXzNZSGNkdmo3dmVua2M5dHV4b2l2MlRDSFJFTTlMbEpOZkZ4QVl0a0FWd0VnMDRKeVBwWVd2SA?oc=5" target="_blank">US uses hundreds of Tomahawk missiles on Iran, alarming some at Pentagon, WaPo reports</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say

Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs

The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires

Washington ignores America's fiscal cliff

Iran built a vast camera network to control dissent. Israel used it to track targets, AP sources say





