Angry Republicans abruptly left a confidential briefing on Iran on Wednesday, amid growing concerns that the United States might be gearing up for an invasion, as Tehran remains unresponsive to peace efforts from Donald Trump.

With nearly 7,000 U.S. ground troops either dispatched or on their way to the Middle East—comprising units from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and the Marines—speculation is rife regarding Trump’s swiftly evolving military strategy.

Nancy Mace departed from the meeting early, expressing frustration that “we were misled,” while Mike Rogers, a pro-Trump committee chair, highlighted the lack of answers from Pentagon leaders during a briefing to the House Armed Services Committee, leading to heightened tensions on Capitol Hill.

An insider source has disclosed new, startling details, suggesting the U.S. might be preparing for ground operations as Iran continues its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.

Source says briefing outlined three military objectives

According to a lawmaker who wished to remain anonymous, attendees were briefed on three military objectives: targeting Kharg Island, Iran’s vital oil export center; addressing nuclear material; and considering regime change.

This represents a significant departure from the four publicly declared goals by the White House, which include dismantling Iran’s missile systems, navy, armed proxies, and nuclear capabilities.

The lawmaker said that the White House must answer for its plans, particularly regarding Kharg Island and troops on the ground.

The answers are ‘jaw-dropping’ and ‘will blow your brains out,’ the lawmaker said. 

Iran has begun reinforcing Kharg Island for a potential US ground invasion by laying traps such as anti-personnel and anti-armor mines along likely landing zones.

The island, responsible for the processing of 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, lies deep inside the Persian Gulf, and its capture would represent a major strategic shift in the war.  

US officials warn of risks

US officials have warned the administration that a ground operation to seize the island would carry significant risks, including the potential for high numbers of American casualties. 

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers was uncharacteristically agitated after leaving the briefing, stating that he had few details about the direction the war is heading. 

‘We want to know more about what’s going on,’ Rogers, an Alabama Republican, said. ‘We’re just not getting enough answers.’

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker of Mississippi felt the same after his own briefing.

‘I can see why he might have said that,’ Wicker told Politico of Rogers’ comments. 

Nancy Mace wrote on X: ‘The justifications presented to the American public for the war in Iran were not the same military objectives we were briefed on today in the House Armed Services Committee.’ 

The White House refused to comment on the questions raised by the committee member who spoke to the Daily Mail. 

Regime change objective aligns with Israel’s war aims

But at least one of the new objectives, regime change, aligns with Israel’s stated war aims. Trump has not mentioned regime change in his public messaging since the early days of the conflict, and it features nowhere in the White House’s official goals. 

Netanyahu has three goals: eliminating Iran’s ballistic-missile stockpile, ensuring Tehran cannot develop a nuclear warhead, and fostering an environment within Iran for civilians to overthrow the Islamic regime.

On Wednesday, Iran flatly rejected a 15-point peace plan presented by the US.  

The walkout lays bare the fractures in the GOP over the Iran war, with skepticism growing among lawmakers about the timeline, scope, and purpose of the prolonged assault. 

Members also expect the White House to submit a request for additional funding for the Pentagon. 

The estimated price tag is $200 billion, roughly a fifth of the entire Pentagon’s annual budget.