The Pentagon is preparing for a potential U.S. ground operation in Iran

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declares U.S. and Israeli universities in the Middle East as legitimate targets

The U.S. amphibious assault ship "Tripoli" has arrived in the Middle East region

Iran allows 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

Turkey's Foreign Minister will visit Pakistan on March 29–30 to attend an Iran-related conference

According to a Saturday report by The Washington Post, the Pentagon is preparing for a potential U.S. ground operation in Iran that could last several weeks.

The report states, "As U.S. soldiers and marines arrive in the Middle East, the Pentagon is preparing for a several-week ground operation in Iran. Should President Donald Trump decide to escalate the situation, this could push the conflict into a dangerous new phase."

The report notes that a potential ground operation does not imply a full-scale invasion by U.S. forces, but could instead involve coordinated raids launched by special operations forces and conventional infantry units. Possible objectives might include capturing Iran’s Khark Island or destroying weapons equipment along the shores of the Strait of Hormuz. Sources indicate that completing these missions could take "several months."

The report emphasizes, "It remains unclear whether Trump will approve any related plans from the Pentagon."

The report also points out that if a ground operation is carried out, U.S. forces "will face various threats," including missile and drone attacks.

White House Press Secretary Karine Levet responded: "The Pentagon's responsibility is to conduct preparations to ensure maximum operational freedom for the Commander-in-Chief. This does not mean the President has made any decision yet."

According to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, following an attack on a university in Tehran, universities in the Middle East operated by the U.S. and Israel have become legitimate targets for retaliation.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps stated: "After the U.S. and Israel attacked Tehran University of Technology, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that all universities operated by the U.S. and Israel in the region are now legitimate targets."

The U.S. Central Command issued a statement saying that the U.S. amphibious assault ship "Tripoli"—previously en route to the Middle East—has now arrived within the Central Command’s area of responsibility.

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal cited U.S. officials reporting that, amid rising tensions, the USS "Tripoli," stationed in Japan, would be deployed to the Middle East.

The U.S. Central Command wrote on social media platform X: "On March 27, sailors and marines aboard the USS 'Tripoli' arrived in the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility."

The statement said that this "America"-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group/31st Marine Expeditionary Force. This force comprises approximately 3,500 sailors and marines, along with transport aircraft, attack fighters, and amphibious assault and tactical equipment.

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishack Dar announced on social media platform X that Iran has approved 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with two ships expected to transit daily going forward.

Dar described the move as a "reassuring and constructive gesture" that helps maintain regional stability.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Pakistan from March 29 to 30 to attend a conference in Islamabad regarding the Iran situation.

On Saturday, Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is actively pushing forward negotiations, and Turkey supports initiatives proposed by Pakistan.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated: "The visit (of Fidan from March 29–30) will take place within the framework of attending regional agenda-related meetings."

It is expected that participants will discuss pressing regional issues and possible solutions.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860968592873476/

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