White House Refuses to Rule Out Ground Troops as Iran War Expands
The White House signaled Wednesday that no military option is off the table in the growing U.S. Israeli war with Iran, refusing to rule out the possibility of deploying American ground forces as the conflict escalates across the Middle East. At a press briefing in Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration would not limit the president’s authority by publicly eliminating military options, including the potential use of U.S. troops on the ground.
“It’s not part of the current plan, but I’m not going to remove an option for the president that is on the table.” — Karoline Leavitt
Her comments came as lawmakers in Washington prepared to vote on a War Powers resolution that would restrict the president’s ability to continue military operations against Iran without explicit authorization from Congress. The moment underscores the deep political and military uncertainty surrounding a conflict that has already begun reshaping global security dynamics.
Trump to Attend Transfer of Fallen U.S. Soldiers
The White House also confirmed that President Donald Trump plans to attend a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for American service members killed in the expanding conflict. Six U.S. soldiers have been confirmed dead so far.
“These heroes represent the very best among us.” — Karoline Leavitt
The solemn ceremony is one of the most symbolic duties performed by a commander in chief and reflects the rising human cost of the war as American forces move deeper into direct confrontation with Iran.
White House Claims Spain Backed Down After Trade Threat
Another diplomatic front opened Wednesday after the Trump administration claimed that Spain agreed to cooperate with U.S. military operations in the Middle East following a dramatic threat from Trump to sever trade ties with the NATO ally. Spain had initially resisted allowing U.S. forces to use jointly operated bases in southern Spain for operations that were not authorized under the United Nations charter. After Trump warned he would “cut off all trade with Spain,” the White House said Madrid quickly reconsidered.
“I think they heard the president’s message loud and clear.” — Karoline Leavitt
According to the administration, U.S. and Spanish military officials are now coordinating operations.
Administration Argues Americans Support the War
The White House also attempted to frame the war as having strong public backing, arguing that Americans understand the threat posed by Iran.
“This was a rogue terrorist regime that has been threatening the United States, our allies and our people for 47 years.” — Karoline Leavitt
However, polling data paints a more complicated picture. Surveys conducted before the conflict began found that 61 percent of Americans consider Iran an enemy, but far fewer express strong trust in the current administration’s leadership during a crisis. The White House has yet to deliver a formal national address explaining the long-term strategy or end goals of the war.
Civilian Casualty Reports Under Investigation
The administration is also facing scrutiny over reports that U.S. or Israeli strikes may have hit a girls’ school in Iran, an allegation circulating widely in regional media. Iranian officials claim more than 160 girls were killed in a strike on a school in Minab, sharing aerial images of mass graves on social media. The White House says it has no confirmation the school was targeted, but acknowledged the Pentagon is investigating.
“The United States of America does not target civilians, unlike the rogue Iranian regime.” — Karoline Leavitt
U.S. Central Command has said it is aware of the allegations and is reviewing the situation.
Kurdish Cooperation and Iraq Base Concerns
Leavitt also confirmed that Trump recently spoke with Kurdish leaders in Iraq regarding security around American military bases in the region. However, the White House denied reports suggesting Washington had approved a broader plan to support Iranian Kurdish groups in an effort to destabilize Tehran.
“Any report suggesting the president has agreed to such a plan is completely false.” — Karoline Leavitt
Evacuation Concerns for Americans in the Region
The administration pushed back against criticism that it has not done enough to help Americans leave the Middle East as the war intensifies. Leavitt insisted evacuation plans are already in place and that the State Department is prepared to assist any U.S. citizen requesting help.
“We will help every single American who wants to come home.” — Karoline Leavitt
Officials also said a controversial hotline message that told Americans not to rely on government assistance to leave the region has now been corrected.
A War With No Clear End Yet
The Trump administration maintains the conflict began in part because U.S. intelligence suggested Iran might launch attacks against American forces or assets in the region. But critics in Congress and foreign policy circles say the administration has yet to clearly define the war’s objectives or endgame.
With the Senate debating whether to curb the president’s war powers, and the Pentagon expanding military operations deeper into Iran, the coming weeks could determine whether the conflict remains limited or evolves into a much broader war.
