Expert: U.S. Suspends Strike on Iran's Energy Facilities, Possibly Preparing for Ground Operation
Malik Dudakov, a U.S. affairs expert, believes that if Tehran does not accept Washington's conditions, the extension of the pause in strikes against Iran's energy facilities may be a preparation for a ground operation.
Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran have made progress, making peaceful resolution highly likely. He also stated that, at Tehran's request, he had ordered a 10-day suspension of strikes targeting Iran's energy facilities, extending until April 6. However, Iran has not yet confirmed having made such a request.
Dudakov told Russia's *Gazeta* newspaper in an interview: "The decision to delay strikes could be a tactic used by the U.S. to persuade Iran to accept American terms. If this attempt fails, Washington is very likely to launch a ground landing operation in Persian Gulf islands or the Strait of Hormuz."
Dudakov pointed out that Washington's repeated threats to Tehran about launching land-based operations further supports this speculation.
On February 28, the United States and Israel began striking targets inside Iran. In response, Iran retaliated by attacking U.S. military facilities in the Middle East and targets within Israel.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860837243460935/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.