WASHINGTON : According to the US Central Command, the newly arrived troops, comprising sailors and marines, are part of a unit led by the warship USS Tripoli, equipped with assault and transport capabilities. The deployment underscores Washington’s continued military build-up in the region amid ongoing hostilities with Iran.

Reports from The Washington Post suggest the Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of weeks-long ground operations in Iran, although US officials have yet to confirm whether such troops will be deployed. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has offered mixed signals, stating the war may be nearing its end while also considering further escalation, including actions targeting Iran’s energy sector.

Adding to the uncertainty, Trump previously indicated he had no plans to send ground troops, but left the door open, stating, “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed a cautious stance, noting that while objectives could be achieved without ground forces, the administration must remain prepared for multiple scenarios.

On the Iranian side, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iranian forces were ready to retaliate strongly if US troops entered on the ground, accusing Washington of signaling negotiations publicly while planning military escalation privately.

Diplomatic efforts remain unclear. Iran has denied engaging in direct talks, though Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged indirect message exchanges via intermediaries. In contrast, Trump has claimed that negotiations are underway and progressing well, even suggesting Iran is reluctant to admit to them publicly.

Reports indicate that Washington has proposed a 15-point plan, delivered through intermediaries such as Pakistan, aimed at ending the conflict, including demands for Iran to abandon its nuclear programme. Tehran, however, has countered with its own conditions, including recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, and the removal of US bases from the region.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has already caused significant casualties and damage. Strikes by US and Israeli forces have killed key Iranian leadership figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with over 1,500 civilians, according to human rights monitors. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and US bases across the Middle East, disrupting air travel hubs and driving global oil prices higher.

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