On February 2, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that he does not completely dismiss the deployment of ground troops in a potential war with Iran. During an interview with the New York Post, Trump stated, "Other presidents have said 'no ground troops,' but I have no qualms about that." He emphasized that while he believes ground troops may not be necessary, he remains open to the option if required. Trump further escalated tensions by asserting that a major wave of military action has not yet occurred but is imminent if the situation does not improve.

Additionally, Defense Secretary Mark Esper confirmed that there are currently no ground troops in Iran but refused to engage in discussions about future actions, insisting that Trump's stance is aimed at enhancing U.S. interests and making it clear to America's adversaries. In a separate phone interview with CNN, Trump reiterated his aggressive military approach, suggesting that recent attacks on Iranian forces were only the beginning and that more substantial military operations are on the horizon due to Iran's refusal to halt its nuclear weapons development during negotiations in Geneva last week.

In the wake of these statements, Trump attended a public event for the first time since the recent attacks, where he spoke on the importance of the military's role and the ongoing nature of U.S. engagement in the region. He emphasized that regardless of how long it may take, the U.S. will pursue its interests decisively in the face of threats posed by Iran, highlighting the potential for increased military activity as tensions between the countries remain high.