Trending Now - Polls Indicate Mixed Feelings on Potential Ground Troops in Iran

WHO:

President Donald Trump

Pentagon officials

U.S. Central Command

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

82nd Airborne Division

Marine Corps' Marine Expeditionary Unit

1,545 adults surveyed in a Reuters/Ipsos poll

13 U.S. servicemembers killed in the war

Approximately 200 U.S. servicemembers injured

Estimated 1,444 people killed in Iran

Estimated 18,551 people injured in Iran

WHAT:

Pentagon officials are preparing for the potential deployment of U.S. ground forces into Iran.

President Trump stated, "No, I'm not putting troops anywhere," but added, "If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you."

A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe Trump will send ground troops to Iran, while 55% oppose it.

Only 7% of respondents support a large-scale strike by American ground forces.

36% of respondents approve of Trump's management of the war, while 56% disapprove.

48% of respondents believe the war is not justified, while 31% believe it is.

73% of Republicans support the war, while 88% of Democrats oppose it.

The Trump administration has requested $200 billion in additional spending for the Pentagon.

61% of Americans want the war to end as quickly as possible, even if objectives are not achieved.

13 U.S. servicemembers have been killed, and around 200 have been injured in the war.

Preliminary estimates indicate around 1,444 people have been killed in Iran, with 18,551 injured.

WHERE:

Iran

Washington, D.C.

Middle East region

California (departure point for Marines)

WHEN:

Poll conducted from March 17th to March 19th, 2026

Airstrikes on oil depots occurred on March 8th, 2026

Poll results released on March 19th, 2026

WHY:

The preparations for ground troops are in response to the ongoing U.S.-Israel-led conflict with Iran.

The Trump administration is seeking to expand military options available to the president.

HOW:

The military is moving elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and thousands of Marines to the Middle East.

The Pentagon is making preparations to handle the possible detention of Iranian soldiers and paramilitary operatives.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 19:16 UTC)

Pentagon officials are preparing for the potential deployment of U.S. ground forces into Iran as President Trump stated he is not putting troops anywhere, but added he wouldn't disclose such plans if he were. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe Trump will send ground troops, while 61% want the war to end quickly, even if objectives are not met, and 13 U.S. servicemembers have been killed in the conflict. The military is moving elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and thousands of Marines to the Middle East in response to the ongoing U.S.-Israel-led conflict with Iran.