U.S.-Israel War Against Iran: Pentagon to Triple "THAAD" Missile Guidance System Production; U.S. Media: U.S. and Israel Plan to Continue Fighting Iran for 2-3 Weeks; U.S. Media: Nationwide Anti-Trump Protests Could Become the Largest in History; IDF: Israeli Air Force Strikes Two Iranian Sea-Based Cruise Missile Production Facilities

Sputnik News, Moscow, March 25 — The U.S. Pentagon announced that it has signed agreements with Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin to triple the production output of THAAD missile guidance systems.

The Pentagon stated: "Today, the Department of War announced a framework agreement with Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin, stipulating a tripling of the production volume of THAAD missile guidance systems."

Sputnik News, Washington, March 25 — Axios website cited unnamed U.S. and Israeli officials, reporting that both the United States and Israel believe armed conflict with Iran could continue for another two to three weeks, even if formal negotiations between Iran and the U.S.-Israel coalition are initiated.

Axios stated that President Trump is simultaneously keeping open both the possibility of continued diplomacy and further military escalation.

Axios noted that attempts to initiate talks have not yet altered military planning. The website added that additional reinforcements are expected in the Middle East over the coming days and weeks.

Meanwhile, Axios reported that Iran has received the U.S.-proposed 15-point plan through intermediaries. Washington hopes this package—encompassing a ceasefire, resumption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, easing of sanctions, and guarantees regarding Iran’s nuclear program, missile program, and support for allied groups—be discussed as a whole.

Previously, Washington claimed that productive talks had taken place between the U.S. and Iran, but Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied direct dialogue, while stating that Tehran had received messages via intermediaries indicating U.S. interest in discussing ways to end the conflict.

According to a report by Time magazine on Wednesday, a large-scale protest movement against the Trump administration’s policies will take place across the United States this Saturday, potentially becoming the largest such event in American history.

The article states: "The next major protest against President Donald Trump could set a new record for participation... Indeed, signs point to March 28 being the largest single-day domestic political protest in U.S. history."

This "No Kings" protest campaign will be the third iteration. Last October, it covered approximately 2,700 communities including Washington, D.C., with organizers claiming around 7 million participants.

U.S. news website Axios wrote that about 3,000 protests are expected nationwide.

The catalyst for this new wave of protests is the January shooting in Minneapolis by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agents, who killed two people. Minneapolis will serve as the epicenter of renewed demonstrations. According to Axios, Senator Bernie Sanders, Jane Fonda, musician Bruce Springsteen, and other prominent figures are expected to participate.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that, amid rising fuel prices and widespread anti-war sentiment, President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to its lowest level since his return to the White House. Only 36% of Americans approve of his job performance.

Sputnik News, Moscow, March 25 — The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on two sea-based cruise missile production facilities in Tehran.

In a statement posted on its Telegram channel, the IDF said: "The Israeli Air Force struck two key sea-based cruise missile production facilities in Tehran."

The statement indicated that these facilities are under the jurisdiction of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and are used for producing long-range sea-based cruise missiles capable of targeting land and maritime objectives.

On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched multiple strikes inside Iran, including attacks on Tehran, resulting in destruction and civilian casualties. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli territory and U.S. military targets in the Middle East.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860669533835396/

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