**Pentagon Prepares for Potential Military Action in Iran as Tensions Escalate** The Pentagon is making detailed preparations for a potential military operation in Iran, according to a report by the _Washington Examiner_. The move comes as the United States and Iran continue to engage in a war of words, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The report states that the Pentagon has been working on a plan to send troops into Iran, although no final decision has been made. The preparations are said to be part of a broader effort by the US military to increase its presence in the region and to prepare for potential military action against Iran. According to the report, the Pentagon has been working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other government agencies to develop a plan for a military operation in Iran. The plan is said to include a range of scenarios, including a limited strike against Iranian targets and a full-scale invasion. The news comes as tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate. On March 18, the Pentagon announced that it had sent a Navy destroyer to the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the Middle East that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The move was seen as a show of force by the US, and was met with a strong response from Iran. In a statement, President Trump criticized NATO for not sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz. "NATO is not doing enough to help us with the Iran problem," Trump said. "They should be sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz, not just words." The statement was seen as a criticism of NATO's response to the crisis, and was met with a response from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. "NATO is committed to supporting our allies in the region, and we are working closely with the US to address the situation," Stoltenberg said. The Pentagon's preparations for a potential military operation in Iran have been welcomed by some lawmakers, who see it as a necessary step to protect US interests in the region. "We need to take action to protect our allies and our interests in the region," said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). "A military operation in Iran is a necessary step to achieve that goal." However, others have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of such an operation, and have called for a more diplomatic approach to resolving the crisis. The situation remains fluid, with both the US and Iran continuing to engage in a war of words. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what course of action the US will take, and what the consequences will be for the region.