Reply #8: Amphib assault, don't think so.

[westerebus]

To assault the Iranians from a beach head will require every unit not in Iraq or Afghanistan for the mission. The Marines do not have any spare combat units due to their unique mission capabilities and where they are stationed. In other words if something else breaks outside of the Persian Gulf, the Marines would go.
The Army's heavy units need to be prepositioned across the Gulf for a ferry ride over. I haven't seen the Saudis inviting us in. The Straight of Hormuz is the shortest line of travel for heavy armor. Heavily defended by the Iranians.
The Army National Guard and Reserve have not been ordered to gear up,pack up,and ship out. That's not something you can hide. The Army is pretty burnt out equipment wise.
Limited strike with cruise missiles and air strikes won't do much. We can destroy their civilian infrastructure to a fair degree but then what? Do you want to stop oil flow out of Iran? Better talk to China and Europe about that one.
If you think Iraq and Afghanistan are a mess now put 100,000 Iranian Republican Guards into the mix. That will leave Iran with 200,000 + troops to defend their own country with.
Bush might go for air strikes if the Saudis fly point on the mission or if the Israelis worked a deal with the Sunni potentates to take out the Iranian atomic facilities.
The enemy of my enemy is my brother. I don't doubt Bushchenny won't try if things get to hot for them.
The curse of:"may you live in interesting times" holds true.