The crisis between the United States and Iran is entering a very delicate phase. According to recent rumors, Washington is seriously considering the possibility of direct involvement with ground troops—the so-called boots on the groundA prospect that, if confirmed, would mark a dramatic leap in quality in the already incandescent Middle East scenario.
Donald Trump's comments also added to the tension. The American president stated that he would not rule out sending U.S. troops to Iran "if necessary," effectively leaving the door open to direct intervention.
Trump: "They will be there if necessary."
Interviewed by New York Post, Trump has adopted a deliberately ambiguous but significant line:
“I don't say like every president, 'There won't be any men on the ground.' I say, 'We probably don't need them,' or 'They'll be there if they're needed.'”
Words that, while not announcing an imminent deployment, confirm that the military option on the ground is concretely on the table.
The President also stressed that the military operation called Epic Fury it would be “well ahead of schedule”, a statement that suggests planning is already at an advanced stage.
Europe in a state of alert
A direct US entry into the conflict would also open up unpredictable scenarios for Europe. Indeed, over the years, Iran has repeatedly threatened retaliation against American interests and bases outside the Middle East, including those on European soil.
In Italy—where several US military installations operate—security circles are already at a high alert. The critical point is precisely the uncertainty: it's still unclear what the true scope of this crisis might be, nor how far Tehran is willing to go.
The NATO issue and the risk of enlargement
The scenario most feared by analysts is a widening of the conflict. If Iran were to strike a NATO member country, the Alliance's collective defense mechanism would be triggered, risking dragging multiple countries into direct conflict.
Concerns have been mounting in recent hours, especially following reports of tensions in the area surrounding Cyprus, a European Union member state and a strategic hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Any attack directed against European territories or interests would inevitably be interpreted as a serious escalation in the conflict.
A rapidly evolving crisis
The situation remains extremely fluid. Diplomats are working to avoid a point of no return, but the widespread feeling is that the window for de-escalation is rapidly narrowing.
Washington's moves and Tehran's reaction will be decisive in the coming hours. Europe is watching with growing apprehension, aware that any miscalculation could transform a regional crisis into a much broader conflict.
Article under update.
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