The Pentagon is gearing up for ground operations in Iran which could last several weeks, officials revealed, as thousands of US Marines pour into the Middle East.

Defense chiefs are bracing for what insiders describe as a ‘major escalation,’ though any military action is expected to stop short of an all-out invasion, sources told The Washington Post.

Instead they will use Special Operations forces backed by infantry troops, the insiders said. It remains unclear if President Donald Trump has or will approve the Pentagon’s reported plans.

Read more: Pentagon ‘prepares for major escalation in Iran War with ground operations set to last for WEEKS’… as US Marines arrive in the Middle East