Representational photo (Associated Press)
Iran has reportedly organised more than one million fighters amid growing concerns of a possible ground combat with United States and Israel.Sources told Iran’s Tasnim News Agency that the number includes both military personell and volunteers. According to him, the forces that have been prepared are equipped to handle different scenarios if required.
Recruitment centres linked to the Basij, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the army have reportedly seen a sharp rise in footfall, and a large number of young Iranians have come forward, expressing willingness to take part in defending the country.CNN also reported Iran has been reinforcing its presence on Kharg Island in recent weeks, deploying more troops and air defence systems while also setting up defensive traps.The speaker of Iran’s parliament on Wednesday warned the country’s enemies against any attempt to occupy Iranian islands, citing possible developments in the region.“Based on some data, Iran’s enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries, are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on X. He added, “All enemy movements are under the full surveillance of our armed forces. If they step out of line, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will, without restriction, become the target of relentless attacks,” he said.Earlier Ghalibaf had also said, “We are closely monitoring all US movements in the region, especially troop deployments.”A Wall Street Journal report on Wednesday said US President Donald Trump had told his advisers he wanted to avoid a long war in Iran and hoped to end the conflict in the coming weeks.Earlier reports have suggested that Pentagon has also drawn up detailed plans for a possible deployment of United States ground troops into Iran.According to CBS News sources, senior US military commanders have made specific requests to ensure operational readiness, indicating that the military is preparing for a scenario that could go beyond the current air or naval action.However, when asked about the possibility of sending troops to the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said, “No, I’m not putting troops anywhere,” but added, “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you,” signalling that he is keeping the option open.
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On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been pushing Nato nations, European and Asian allies of the United States should help with securing the Strait of Hormuz for the shipping of global oil and gas supplies.Meanwhile, United States also claims talks with Iran for a possible truce deal. Iran, however, has rejected that it’s talking to United States and has also reportedly dismissed Trump’s 15-point ceasefire plan.“Iran’s assessment is that it is “one-sided and unfair”, serving only US, Israel interests,” reported Reuters quoting a senior Iranian official.
