US Military Plans Ground Operations, Iran Warns of Retaliation, Pakistan Proposes Mediation

On March 30, a U.S. official stated that sufficient troops will be available by early next week to carry out significant ground operations against Iran. Meanwhile, another U.S. official remarked that all options are being considered regarding whether to initiate ground operations and what actions would be taken if they do. Israeli Channel 12 reported on March 29, citing anonymous security sources, that Israel plans to “invite the U.S. to relocate some of its military bases in the Middle East to Israel and to establish new bases in Israel” after the current war concludes. The report indicated that Israel sees this as an opportunity to “reshape” the U.S. military landscape in the region. Recently, Israel has demonstrated its “value as a core ally of the U.S.” — “Israel not only provides stability but also offers significant operational and intelligence capabilities, and establishing military bases in Israel would create strategic advantages for both parties.” On March 29, a spokesperson for Iran’s Armed Forces’ Khatam al-Anbia Central Command stated that in response to recent attacks, Iran will target the residences of military and political personnel related to the U.S. and Israel. The spokesperson noted that this move is a retaliatory measure against the attacks on various residential areas in Iran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei stated that the proposals submitted to Iran through mediators by the U.S. are 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. Nevertheless, Tehran has previously accused the U.S. of seeking negotiations while planning a ground offensive. The U.S. State Department and the White House have yet to respond to requests for talks that may take place in Pakistan. Sources indicate that preliminary discussions among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt are focusing on proposals to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.