Iran's foes planning to occupy our island: Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf
Tehran, March 26
Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, said that they have received reports of enemy countries preparing to occupy one of Iran's islands.
He further said that Iran is monitoring all enemy movements.
In a post on X, he said, "Based on some intelligence reports, Iran's enemies are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands with support from one of the regional countries. Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any step, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted with relentless, unceasing attacks."
Also, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the US has failed to achieve its key war objectives against Iran, including securing a quick military victory and bringing about regime change in Tehran, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The Pentagon had earlier ordered that some 2,000 more soldiers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division move to the Middle East from their North Carolina base, as per Al Jazeera.
That's in addition to two Marine Expeditionary Units already en route from opposite sides of the Pacific: The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group moving in from Japan. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group en route from San Diego.
Combined, the backup troops will add between 6,000 and 7,000 marines and sailors to the about 50,000 already positioned in the Middle East, as per Al Jazeera.
The US deployments are among the largest since the Iraq war in 2003, when the US sent 160,000 soldiers. While no ground operation has been ordered, the scale and composition of forces, combined with public statements from US officials, suggest at least three scenarios may be under consideration, as per Al Jazeera.
These include seizing or blockading Kharg Island, clearing Iran's coastline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and, in the most consequential scenario, securing Iran's nuclear material.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The US sending so many troops is alarming. It feels like 2003 all over again. We've seen how that turned out for the region. India has good relations with both Iran and the US; we should use our position to advocate for de-escalation. War helps no one.
Iran's warning about targeting vital infrastructure is serious. They have the capability. The Chabahar port is crucial for India's connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Our government must ensure this strategic asset is protected from any fallout.
While Iran's rhetoric is strong, we must also consider the reports. If there is a genuine threat to an island, it's a matter of sovereignty. However, the scale of US deployment suggests planning for more than just a defensive posture. The situation is dangerously volatile.
Our media should provide more balanced coverage. The article heavily quotes Al Jazeera and Iranian officials. What is the other side saying? As Indians, we need clear facts, not just one perspective, to form an opinion on something that could affect our national interests.
The mention of Kharg Island is key—it's Iran's main oil export terminal. A blockade there would cripple their economy. But Iran won't sit idle. They'd likely try to close the Strait of Hormuz. We have millions of diaspora in the Gulf; their safety is paramount. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.