Lawmakers react to reports Pentagon preparing for ground operations in Iran

Conflict shows signs of entering new, more dangerous phase as additional 3,500 US troops arrive in the Middle East

US lawmakers responded to reports that the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran, as thousands of US troops assemble in the Middle East and the conflict showed signs of entering a new, more dangerous phase.

Officials told the Washington Post that a ground operation in Iran could be limited to raids by Special Operations forces and infantry troops, but it was unclear whether Donald Trump would approve any of the Pentagon's plans.