U.S. Prepares for Ground War, Iran Warns of Counterstrike, Pakistan Plans to Mediate

BlockBeats News, March 30th, a U.S. official stated that by early next week, there would be sufficient forces to carry out a major ground operation against Iran. Meanwhile, another U.S. official commented on the possibility of a ground operation and what actions would be taken if it were to happen: all options are on the table. Israel's Channel 12 reported on March 29th, citing an anonymous security source, that Israel plans to "invite the United States to move some of its military bases in the Middle East to Israel and establish new bases in Israel" after the current war. The report stated that Israel sees this as an opportunity to "reshape" the U.S. military presence in the Middle East. Israel has recently demonstrated its "value as a core U.S. ally" — "Israel not only provides stability but also crucial combat and intelligence capabilities, and establishing U.S. military bases in Israel will create a strategic advantage for both parties."

On March 29th, local time, a spokesman for Iran's Armed Forces Central Command, Hatam Anbia, stated that in response to recent attacks, Iran would target the residences of U.S. and Israeli military commanders and political figures. The spokesman said this action was in retaliation for attacks on residential areas in several Iranian cities by the parties involved. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Baghaei, stated that the suggestions conveyed to Iran by the U.S. through intermediaries were extremely extreme and unreasonable.

Pakistan announced last Sunday that it is preparing to host "meaningful talks" in the coming days to end the conflict surrounding Iran. However, Tehran had previously accused the U.S. of seeking negotiations on one hand while planning a ground invasion on the other. The U.S. State Department and the White House have not responded to the potential talks to be held in Pakistan. Sources said that preliminary discussions among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt are focusing on a proposal to restart shipping in the Hormuz Strait.