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

March 30: A U.S. official said enough troops would be in place by early next week to conduct a major ground offensive against Iran. Separately, another U.S. official noted all options are on the table when asked about the possibility of a ground operation and potential next steps. Israel’s Channel 12 reported March 29, citing an anonymous security source, that Israel plans to invite the U.S. to relocate some of its Middle East military bases to Israel and build new bases there after the current conflict. Israel views this as an opportunity to reshape the U.S. military presence in the region, the report said. Recently, Israel has emphasized its value as a key U.S. ally: it provides not only stability but also critical combat and intelligence capabilities, and U.S. bases in Israel would create a strategic advantage for both sides. March 29 (local time): A spokesman for Iran’s Armed Forces Central Command, Hatam Anbia, said Iran will target the residences of U.S. and Israeli military commanders and political figures in response to recent attacks. The spokesman added this action is retaliation for strikes on residential areas in several Iranian cities by the parties involved. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei said U.S. proposals conveyed to Iran via intermediaries are “extremely extreme and unreasonable.” Pakistan announced last Sunday it is preparing to host “meaningful talks” in the coming days to end the Iran-related conflict. Previously, Tehran accused the U.S. of seeking negotiations while simultaneously planning a ground invasion. The U.S. State Department and White House have not commented on the potential Pakistan-hosted talks. Sources said preliminary discussions among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are focusing on a proposal to resume shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.