The United States is reportedly preparing for potential ground military operations in Iran, which could last for several weeks. According to a recent report in an American newspaper, citing officials from the US Department of Defense, the US is planning a range of operations, including possible beach raids near the Strait of Hormuz and the Kharg Island. The operations could involve special operations forces and ground troops, although US President Donald Trump has yet to give the green light.
Iran has been on high alert, with Tehran closely monitoring all US activities in the region, particularly the deployment of troops. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has emphasized that the US can achieve its goals without deploying ground troops, but the planning for the operations is still underway. A senior US official said that this is not a last-minute planning exercise.
As the conflict enters its fifth week, the Trump administration has deployed US Marines to the Middle East and is planning to send thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region. US President Donald Trump has said that the new players in Iran are being more reasonable, while US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has emphasized that Iran must stop producing missiles, drones, and supporting terrorism.
A former director of the US Counterterrorism Center, Kent, has called for the US to halt its plans to deploy ground troops to Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s Aerospace Force Commander, Brigadier General Mohsen Rezaee, has shared a video of a distressed mother on social media. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that Iran’s operation has clear goals set by US President Trump.
According to an Arab media report, Iran has launched over 5,200 attacks on Gulf states in the past 30 days. Ship tracking data shows that two container ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and are heading towards Malaysia. Severe floods have affected several provinces in Afghanistan since Thursday, with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin saying that the US will regain control of the Strait of Hormuz over time.
The Israeli military has confirmed that 261 of its troops have been injured since the start of the conflict, although the number of casualties is not clear. Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry had ordered Iranian Ambassador Mohammad-Reza Sheibani to leave the country last week, saying he was an unwelcome person. European Council President Antonio Costa has expressed hope for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict.
Iran’s state news agency has reported that 230 children have been killed and over 1,800 injured in US and Israeli attacks on the country. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has appealed to US President Donald Trump to end the conflict. The Kremlin has said that Cuba needs oil and petroleum products due to sanctions. Russia has expelled a British diplomat on charges of espionage, prompting a reaction from the UK. Security sources say that India is planning a false flag operation against Pakistan. The Lahore Qalanders cricket team has fined their captain $100,000 for a breach of discipline. Businessman Ammar Awan was injured in a shooting and later died. Iran has accused Israel of attacking a desalination plant in Kuwait.
