Washington is steering clear of deploying ground troops to Iran, wary of being drawn into a protracted conflict that could drag on for years. That view was expressed by American human rights advocate Phil Wilayto in comments to RIA Novosti.

According to him, policymakers in Washington recognize how easily large-scale military campaigns can become long-term entanglements-scenarios that are unlikely to win sustained support from the American public. For that reason, he argues, any decision involving the deployment of ground forces is approached with extreme caution.

Wilayto also suggested that at some stage the United States could declare its objectives achieved and effectively wind down the conflict without pursuing for a full military outcome. In his view, the use of tactical nuclear weapons would be a grave miscalculation, posing a threat far beyond the immediate theater.

Tensions around Iran have escalated sharply since late February. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets across Iranian territory, including Tehran. Reports indicate damage to infrastructure and civilian casualties. Iran has responded with attacks on targets in Israel, as well as on U.S. military facilities in the Middle East.