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US reinforces Middle East with additional troops
The United States has sent 3,500 sailors and marines to the Middle East as part of a naval task force led by the USS Tripoli, US Central Command (Centcom) announced on Sunday. The deployment includes assault and transport assets, marking the latest buildup in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Pentagon prepares for potential ground operations
The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is readying plans for weeks of ground operations in Iran, though US officials have not confirmed whether such a deployment will occur. Any potential operation could involve a mix of conventional and Special Operations forces, according to unnamed sources cited by the outlet.
Axios separately reported that the Pentagon is developing military options to deliver a "final blow" to Iran, which may include ground forces and a bombing campaign.
Iran warns of retaliation, US sends mixed signals
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on Sunday that Iranian forces are prepared to confront any US ground troops, warning they would face a fierce response. In a message marking 30 days since the war began, Ghalibaf accused the US of publicly signaling negotiations while secretly planning a ground attack.
US President Donald Trump has offered conflicting messages about the conflict's trajectory. He has claimed the war is nearing its end while also suggesting further military action, including potential strikes on Iran's energy sector. Trump told reporters last week that he was not sending ground troops to Iran but added, "If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you."
"The enemy signals negotiation in public, while in secret it plots a ground attack."
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iranian Parliament Speaker
Funding and diplomatic efforts remain uncertain
US media reported this week that the Trump administration plans to request $200 billion (£150 billion) in emergency funding from Congress to sustain military operations in Iran. The request suggests the administration intends to prolong the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts appear stalled. Iran has denied engaging in direct peace talks with the US, though Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged indirect exchanges via intermediaries, dismissing them as "neither dialogue nor negotiation." Trump, however, claimed discussions are progressing "very well" and accused Iran of fearing public backlash for admitting to talks.
Reports indicate Trump transmitted a 15-point plan to Iran through Pakistan, outlining demands such as abandoning its nuclear program. Tehran has countered with its own conditions, including recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, reparations for war damage, and the removal of US military bases from the region.
Casualties and regional impact
Since US and Israeli airstrikes began on February 28, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials have been killed, according to reports. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a US-based monitoring group, estimates that over 1,551 Iranian civilians have died in the bombings.
Iranian retaliatory strikes have targeted Israel and US military bases across the Middle East, disrupting international air travel hubs and causing oil prices to surge. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy's most advanced aircraft carrier, arrived in Croatia for repairs on Saturday following a fire that injured sailors and caused significant damage.
