President Donald Trump has ed serious interest in deploying a small contingent of US troops to Iran for strategic purposes, according to military insiders. These officials report that Trump informed advisers he envisions a limited ground presence to exert influence over the country, similar to US control in Venezuela after securing President Nicolás Maduro and its oil reserves. The plan does not involve a full-scale invasion.
White House Rejects Deployment Claims
The White House firmly denied any plans to send US soldiers to Iran. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the reports as “based on assumptions from anonymous sources who are not part of the President’s national security team and are clearly not read into these discussions.” She added, “President Trump always wisely keeps all options open, but anyone trying to insinuate he is in favour of one option or another proves they have no real seat at the table.”
Escalating Airstrikes and Regional Attacks
Israel and the United States continue airstrikes against Iran’s military capabilities, leadership, and nuclear program. War objectives have evolved, with indications of goals to topple the government or prompt internal leadership changes. Iran launched attacks on Gulf states including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates over the weekend.
Sirens blared in Bahrain amid incoming threats. Saudi Arabia intercepted drones targeting its Shaybah oil field and downed a ballistic missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, home to US forces. Explosions echoed in Dubai, prompting air defenses activation. Dubai International Airport suspended all flights, directing passengers to train tunnels for safety. Emirates Airlines confirmed the halt “until further notice.”
Trump Demands Unconditional Surrender
Trump insists on Iran’s “unconditional surrender” before any negotiations. In a recent social media post, he declared: “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! … and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s).” He pledged US and allied support to rebuild Iran, making it “economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.”
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed the demand as a “dream that they should take to their grave.” He apologized for attacks on neighboring countries, attributing them to miscommunication within ranks, and vowed to stop them.
Casualties and Economic Warnings
The conflict has resulted in at least 1,230 deaths in Iran, over 200 in Lebanon, around a dozen in Israel, and six US troops. Benchmark US crude oil surpassed $90 per barrel Friday, the highest in over two years.
Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned the war could “bring down the economies of the world,” forecasting a Gulf energy export shutdown that drives oil prices to $150 per barrel.
Additional Developments
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the “biggest bombing campaign” of the war lies ahead. Israel reported heavy strikes on an underground bunker intended for Iranian leaders.
Two US intelligence officials indicate Russia shared data with Iran to target US warships, aircraft, and assets, though no direction on its use was found.
New details point to a US airstrike causing a deadly explosion at a school in Minab, Iran, killing over 165 people, mostly children. Iranian media blamed the US and Israel; neither has claimed responsibility, but US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed an investigation.
