The U.S. Pentagon is gearing up for potential ground raids in Iran, even as Tehran threatens to “set on fire” any American boots on the ground, amid escalating costs and regional spillover from the month-long U.S.-Israel war.
Around 3,500 U.S. Marines and sailors docked in the Middle East aboard the USS Tripoli on March 27, U.S. Central Command confirmed.
This comes as The Washington Post reports the Pentagon readies Special Operations forces and infantry for limited strikes on key Iranian sites like oil hub Kharg Island and Strait of Hormuz coastal areas, though President Donald Trump has not greenlit any action.
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf fired back: “Iranian forces are waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional partners forever.” He added Iran’s “missiles are in place” amid ongoing strikes.
Rising toll and new fronts
Casualties mount: 13 U.S. troops killed, over 300 wounded since February 28, per Anadolu Agency. A Friday Iranian missile hit a Saudi base wounded 15 more Americans. Houthi rebels in Yemen fired their first missile at Israel, widening the chaos.
A Washington Post poll shows 62% of Americans oppose ground troops. Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia—key U.S. allies—face direct threats, with Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Riyadh’s foreign ministers meeting in Islamabad Sunday for diplomacy.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stressed preparations give Trump “maximum optionality.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted no prolonged fight or ground troops needed.For Nigeria and Africa, experts warn oil price spikes from Hormuz disruptions could fuel inflation, hitting economies reliant on imports.
ASHENEWS will update as events unfold.
