A full-scale US ground invasion of Iran remains the least likely path for Washington, according to The Economist.

The magazine outlined three possible courses of action: expanding strikes on Iran’s critical infrastructure, attacking nuclear facilities or launching a land campaign. Of those options, a ground operation is considered the least realistic.

Even a limited deployment on Iranian territory could leave American forces facing serious danger. An attempt to seize control of Kharg Island, for example, could place US units in an exposed and vulnerable position. Sending troops into areas surrounding Iran’s nuclear sites would carry similarly high risks.

The New York Post previously reported, citing a source, that Washington was considering an operation to remove stocks of enriched uranium from Iranian nuclear facilities. Such a mission could require several thousand troops, according to the report.

Iran, meanwhile, says it is prepared for different forms of US military action. An informed military source told RIA Novosti that the country’s armed forces had already rehearsed numerous scenarios, including a ground invasion.