Sharp criticism is building that Washington is edging toward a ground war with Iran that most Americans do not want, a bad outcome for US troops and taxpayers.

• Pressure is growing for American boots on the ground in Iran, even though there is almost no public appetite for it.
• The complaint is that this war serves Israel's interests, not America's, yet the US keeps getting dragged in.
• Hopes that Iranians would rise up and topple their own government have not panned out, leaving regime change to outside force.
• The US military may not even have the manpower for a full ground invasion.
• Anger is also aimed at US money and weapons flowing to Israel regardless of what voters say.

Outlook: Expect louder domestic backlash if Trump moves toward sending troops, with the war's cost and purpose becoming a central political fight.