**US military operations against Iran have centered on airstrikes targeting IRGC sites, coastal defenses, and maritime assets, combined with a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions, rather than large-scale ground forces.** Since the conflict escalated in February 2026, the United States has conducted repeated precision strikes in response to Iranian attacks on shipping and regional bases, while pursuing negotiations under a June memorandum of understanding on nuclear issues, sanctions relief, and navigation. Analysts note that a full invasion would require hundreds of thousands of troops, face significant logistical and casualty risks given Iran's terrain and military size, and carry high escalation potential including closure of the Strait. Recent September 2026 exchanges of strikes have renewed tensions but remained within air and naval domains, with the administration emphasizing economic pressure and limited operations such as potential island seizures over mainland commitment. This pattern of calibrated force and diplomatic channels underpins trader expectations that a full U.S. invasion will not occur before 2027.