The U.S.-Iran conflict that began with joint strikes on February 28, 2026, has featured repeated airstrikes on military targets, missile facilities, and coastal infrastructure, alongside naval blockades and disputes over the Strait of Hormuz, but has not progressed to large-scale ground operations. A June memorandum of understanding produced a brief lull before collapsing amid mutual violations, renewed U.S. strikes in July and August, and stalled nuclear talks. Administration statements and military planning have emphasized air and economic pressure, limited maritime actions such as island seizures, and diplomatic channels, while full ground invasion scenarios face significant barriers including congressional reluctance, high projected casualties, and strategic assessments that such an operation lies outside current objectives. These patterns sustain trader consensus that an invasion is unlikely before the 2027 deadline.