WASHINGTON: The United States is reportedly considering a major escalation in its conflict with Iran, with President Donald Trump weighing the deployment of ground troops to occupy Iranian islands near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to a US newspaper citing American officials.
President Trump, speaking to journalists, declared that Iran “will be defeated soon,” acknowledging that Tehran seeks negotiations but leaving the door open for a potential deal. When pressed on a deadline for attacks on Iranian bridges, he declined to specify, stating, “I do not like to give a deadline,” while insisting that Iran must “improve its behavior” and is “aware of the situation.”
The remarks come as the US military conducts fresh strikes on Iranian targets. US Central Command stated the operations aim to degrade Iran’s military capability to threaten ships transiting the Hormuz strait. Iranian media reported explosions in Sirik, Ahvaz, Chabahar, and Bandar Abbas. Officials in Tehran confirmed that recent US attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of 7 Iranian soldiers and 30 civilians.
