Former US ambassador Joe Hockey says US ‘boots on the ground’ expected within days
A former Australian ambassador to the United States says the US could deploy troops to Iran within days as the Middle East conflict escalates.
Former Australian ambassador to the United States Joe Hockey says the US could deploy troops to Iran within days as the conflict escalates.
Speaking to Sky News, Hockey said discussions in Washington suggest American forces may soon enter Iran.
“There are going to be boots on the ground, that is the expectation at the moment,” Mr Hockey said.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I wouldn’t be surprised if by the end of the next week we see some American boots on the ground,” he added.
Mr Hockey said Israel appeared focused on forcing regime change in Iran, while US President Donald Trump was more concerned about eliminating the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program.
“There is no doubt that Israel is determined to have regime change in Iran.
“I don’t think Donald Trump has been particularly committed to regime change as much as he’s been committed to removing the threat of nuclear weapons and the capacity for Iran to do damage to US military bases and the US mainland.”
He also warned any ground presence would be highly sensitive but could be used to secure nuclear facilities and reopen key shipping routes.
“It is extremely sensitive for Israel to have boots on the ground in Iran but there may be some room for limited engagement for the United States on the ground particularly focused on obtaining any remaining nuclear weapons or nuclear equipment but also in an attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.”
