Despite the U.S. military buildup in the Middle East since early 2026 and February strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, the current U.S. strategy centers on airstrikes, naval blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions pressure rather than a large-scale ground invasion. Ongoing ceasefire negotiations, including a Pakistan-mediated truce extended into May and recent U.S. rejection of Iran's latest proposal, reflect a preference for diplomatic leverage and limited special operations over committing ground forces for territorial control. Pentagon planning has prioritized degrading Iran's missile and naval capabilities while avoiding the high costs and risks of occupation, sustaining trader consensus that no full invasion will occur before the end of 2026.