US Weighs Ground Ops as Iran Missile Attacks Persist

Defense Secretary says all options remain on the table amid ongoing tensions

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of red, orange, and black, conceptually representing the escalating tensions and potential for military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran over missile strikes.As diplomatic efforts falter, the U.S. warns it may resort to ground operations to address Iran's persistent missile attacks.Washington Today

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday that Iran continues to launch missile attacks, and the U.S. is keeping ground operations as a potential response option despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two countries.

Why it matters

The persistent Iranian missile strikes raise the risk of a direct military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran, which could have significant geopolitical and economic ramifications for the region and globally.

The details

Hegseth said that while diplomatic channels remain open, the U.S. is prepared to utilize all tools at its disposal, including potential ground operations, to address the Iranian missile threat if necessary. The Pentagon is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with regional allies.

  • Hegseth made the comments on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense, appointed in 2025.

Iran

The Middle Eastern country that has been launching persistent missile attacks, raising tensions with the U.S.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Iran still retains the capability to fire missiles, and we are prepared to respond with all options on the table.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense

What’s next

The Biden administration is expected to convene a National Security Council meeting in the coming days to further discuss potential diplomatic and military options in response to the ongoing Iranian missile strikes.

The takeaway

The persistent Iranian missile attacks and the U.S. willingness to consider ground operations underscore the fragile state of relations between the two countries, raising the specter of a potential military confrontation that could have far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences.