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Pentagon officials have made detailed preparations for deploying U.S. ground forces into Iran, multiple sources briefed on the discussions told CBS News on Friday.
The White House also stated on Friday that the U.S. military can "take out" Kharg Island "at any time" as additional Marines head to the Middle East.
Senior military commanders have submitted specific requests aimed at preparing for ground force deployment as U.S. President Trump weighs next steps in the conflict, sources told CBS on condition of anonymity.
The U.S. is preparing to deploy elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.
Planning also involves the Army's Global Response Force (GRF) and the Marine Corps' Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
"The military has held meetings to prepare for how to handle the possible detention of Iranian soldiers and paramilitary operatives if the president decides to put American boots on the ground, including where detained Iranians would be sent," two sources stated.
Three warships and approximately 2,200 Marines from an expeditionary unit departed California earlier this week, according to two U.S. officials.
It was the second such Marine unit sent since the war began, and could take a few weeks to be in place. The first was sent from the Pacific and is still making its way to the region.
Trump told reporters Thursday, "No, I'm not putting troops anywhere," but quickly added, "If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, "It's the job of the Pentagon to make preparations to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality; it does not mean the President has made a decision."
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated on Friday that the U.S. military can strike Kharg Island whenever the president orders.
"The United States Military can take out Kharg Island at any time if the President gives the order," Kelly said in a statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP), following the Axios report that Trump was considering plans to occupy or blockade the island.
"Thanks to a detailed planning process, the entire administration is and was prepared for any potential action taken by the terrorist Iranian regime. President Trump knew full well that Iran would try to stop the freedom of navigation and free flow of energy, and he has already taken action to destroy over 40 minelaying vessels," Kelly added.
Asked directly about plans for Kharg Island, Trump declined to elaborate on Friday.
"You know, I may have a plan or I may not, but why would I ever say that to a reporter? I can't tell you that. It's certainly a place that people are talking about, but I can't say," Trump told reporters.
Trump said earlier that the U.S. had "totally obliterated" all military targets on Kharg in strikes on Friday and on Thursday called it the "little oil island that sits there, so totally unprotected," saying U.S. strikes had "taken out everything but the pipes."
An effective Iranian blockade has paralyzed commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to the spike in global oil prices since the war began on Feb. 28.
Kharg Island handles approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil exports.
Iran has recently been exporting roughly 1.1 million to 1.5 million barrels per day, mostly to China.
Regional tensions in the Middle East have escalated since Israel and the U.S. launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks across the region. It has effectively closed to most ships the Strait of Hormuz.
This key oil transit route normally handles about 20 million barrels per day and roughly 20% of the global liquefied natural gas trade.
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