KENT: “TRUMP TOWARD A BLOODSHED”. One Million of IRANIAN FIGHTERS waits Deploying of 17,000 US Troops
by Carlo Domenico Cristofori
UPDATE ON MARCH, 30
The Analysis by US Soufan Center IntelBrief
«A buildup of U.S. combat forces in the region has fueled speculation that President Trump is planning to undertake ground operations against Iran» Soufan Center has written today in its IntelBrief in the Newsletter titled “U.S. Combat Force Buildup Sets the Stage for Potential Ground Offensive in Iran”.
«U.S. officials deny that a decision to undertake ground action has been made, asserting the deployments provide leverage in settlement talks with Iran and expand the options available if talks fail» added.
The website specializing in military intelligence and geopolitics also published a map of American troops present in the war theater, which would justify the NYT’s new count of 50,000 American soldiers deployed in the Persian Gulf.
But the map dates back to February 2026, before the bases were partially evacuated and the soldiers were forced to take refuge in hotels after the Iranian attacks.
The Soufan Center pointed out:
- The most likely goal of a ground attack, if ordered, is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to unfettered energy and commercial shipping traffic by seizing Iranian and Iran-controlled islands in the waterway.
- Any U.S. ground incursion onto Iranian soil would expand the war significantly, produce U.S casualties, and potentially embroil the United States in a long-term conflict with Iran’s regime.
VIDEO by Joe Kent, Former US Counterrorism Chief:: “Toward CATASTROPHIC ESCALATION and BLOODSHED”
Joe Kent, former US National Counterterrorism Chief who resigned vs Trump policy on Iran, calls US boots on the ground in Iran CATASTROPHIC ESCALATION that will result in more bloodshed
“It is critical that we, the people, have our voices heard” — Kent urges US citizens to reach out to the White House and Congress to demand withdrawal from such plans
NYT – Number of US troops in Middle East surpasses 50,000
The number of US troops in the Middle East has exceeded 50,000, The New York Times reported.
According to the newspaper, the figure rose above that level with the arrival of arounf 17,000 news troops (read details below).
However, this figure does not includes the 4,500 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the NYT added. In mid-March, a fire broke out on the ship, prompting it to leave the Red Sea to sail to Crete and then to the Port of Split on Croatia’s Adriatic coast for maintenance.
And the same numbero of sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln, hundreds of miles far from Persian Gulf after many heavy IRGC strikes whcih hit and damaged it
UPDATE ON MARCH, 27
The US may deploy more than 17,000 troops to the Iranian border
The US may deploy more than 17,000 troops to the Iranian border, – WSJ.
The Pentagon is considering deploying an additional 10,000 troops in addition to the 5,000 Marines and 2,000 paratroopers already sent to the region, according to the Wall Street Journal.
This is far from the number needed for a full-scale invasion, but they could seize strategically important territories on the mainland or occupy an island.
Iran has announced the mobilisation of one million fighters to counter a “suicidal” US ground war
Iran has announced the mobilisation of one million fighters to counter what it describes as a “suicidal” US ground war on Iranian soil.
According to reports, Tehran is particularly focused on defending the strategic Kharg Island, from where nearly 90 percent of Iran’s oil is exported.
The Iranian news agency Tasnim quoted a military source stating that as speculation grows regarding a “historical folly” by the United States to engage in ground combat on Iran’s southern front, a wave of enthusiasm has swept through the nation’s land forces, which are prepared to create a “historical hell” for American forces on Iranian soil.
Over Half a Million Iranian Soldiers already in Service
The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces (commonly known as Artesh (ارتش), is the conventional armed forces of Iran and one of Iran’s two armed services, the other being the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
It is tasked to protect the territorial integrity of the country from external and internal threats and to project power.
The Artesh’sheadquarters coordinates its four separate service branches: the Islamic Republic of Iran Ground Forces, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force.
The active personnel at recent update was by 340,000
- 300,000 (Ground Force)
- 20,000 (Air Force)
- 10,000 (Navy)
- 10,000 (Air Defense)
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC, commonly known as the Revolutionary Guards or, from Persian, Pasdaran), is a military body established in Iran after the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
It is one of the three components of the Iranian armed forces.
Nightmare for US Navy in Persian Gulf: Iran’s ‘Mosquito Fleet’, deadly performance enhancement
Born as a militia with deep ideological faith (in fact, they embody absolute loyalty to the Supreme Leader of Iran, also known as the spiritual leader), over the years they have greatly expanded their power within the state.
They are not to be confused with the Guardian Council of the Constitution.
The Pasdaran Corps has approximately 210,000 men divided into ground, air, and naval forces; they also control militarily organized volunteer militias called Basij, which recruit young men.
UPDATE ON MARCH, 26
U.S. to Deploy 2,000 Airborne Troops to Gulf, Joining 50,000 Already Stationed
The United States is significantly ramping up its military presence in and around the Iran war zone, deploying thousands of airborne troops and Marines toward the Middle East in a major show of force as tensions with Iran intensify.
Reports indicate that elements of the 82nd Airborne Division — a rapid‑response elite force — are being sent region‑wide, alongside large Marine Expeditionary Units embarked on amphibious assault ships, to bolster U.S. operational capacity and readiness amid the ongoing conflict.
Though President Donald Trump has repeatedly said “I’m not putting troops anywhere,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters March 25 that Trump “does not bluff” and is prepared to “unleash hell” against Iran.
«The Pentagon has ordered 2,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, including its 1st Brigade Combat Team, to the region. That directive, issued March 25, follows the deployment of two 2,200-member Marine Expeditionary Units, the first on March 13 and the second on March 19» USA Today has reported.
It was not known where the ground units will be positioned. Their presence gives Trump additional leverage as diplomatic negotiations continue. Iran rejected a 15-point peace plan offered by U.S. officials March 25.
Iran Army says ground incursion would be ‘more dangerous and costly’ for US
The commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force has warned that the forces will “incapacitate” the United States and the Israeli regime if they wage a ground invasion of the country.
Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi made the remarks on Thursday during a visit to Iran’s borders amid reports that the invading US-Israeli coalition are planning to occupy Kharg Island in a bid to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to their vessels.
Jahanshahi warned the enemy against any ground incursion, saying it will be “more dangerous and costly” for them.
“The Iranian Army forces are standing firm and steadfast on the frontlines of defense and they will incapacitate the enemy,” he added.
UPDATE ON MARCH, 23
5,000 Marines Ready to Take Kharg Island… USS Boxer Just Arrived
The United States has just deployed a second amphibious assault group to the Middle East, led by the USS Boxer — bringing the total to nearly 5,000 Marines positioned near Iran. But this isn’t just another routine deployment.
Amphibious forces like these are designed for rapid, high-impact operations: seizing strategic locations, striking key infrastructure, and launching coordinated assaults from sea, air, and land.
So what’s the mission?
Trump on American Trooops Ground Operation: “I may have a Plan or I may have not”.
The answer of American President Donald Trump is very foolish, demential even to mock the reporter at the White Press conference: “I may have a Plan or I may have not”.
The POTUS, became at all a Zionist Puppet to follow the criminals genocidal crusades of the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in the Middle East, seems that he doesn’t care the lives of American troops.
About a week after his announcing Iran’s surrender, which had instead intensified its bombing of American bases, attempting to strike the one on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, 4,000 km away, he issued an ultimatum to Tehran, receiving an equally threatening and harsh response. (Details in our Daily War Summary).
The Navy Channel explains the Alleged Mission on Kharg Island
In the video released on YouTube social Account by The Navy Channel they break down:
- The USS Boxer and the second amphibious deployment
- Why 5,000 Marines are now positioned near Iran
- How a U.S. amphibious assault would actually happen
- The strategic importance of Kharg Island — Iran’s main oil export hub
- And what recent CENTCOM airstrikes may be preparing for
POSTED ON MARCH, 20
The United States is sending the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the Middle East – VIDEOS
originally published by South Front
All links to previous Gospa News articles and videos have been added in the aftermath by our editorial staff
The United States is sending the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) with the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and two other vessels to the Middle East, as President Donald Trump is reported to be mulling taking over a key Iranian island.
The Boxer was seen leaving Naval Base San Diego on March 18 by webcam accounts monitoring the location. At the time, a local Fox News affiliate reported, citing a statement from the U.S. Navy Third Fleet based in San Diego, that the 11th MEU is conducting “routine operations” in the Pacific Ocean as part of the US Navy’s Pacific fleet.
Nevertheless, Newsmax and The Jerusalem Post on March 20 both reported that the U.S. Navy is accelerating the deployment of the Boxer, alongside San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Portland (in the video below the moment in wich leaved San Diego) and Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock, to the Middle East.
The Boxer can carry out a number of warplanes, F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets, AH-1Z Super Viper attack helicopters and MV-22B Osprey assault support tiltrotor aircraft.
The vessels carry approximately 2,500 Marines
Together with the Portland and Comstock, the vessels carry approximately 2,500 Marines and a total of about 4,000 service members.
The reports about the deployment of the 11th MEU came as the 31st MEU, aboard the America-class amphibious assault ship and two other vessels, is about to arrive in the Middle East. The Tripoli was spotted near the Malacca Strait off Singapore on March 18.
An MEU consists of four elements: command, ground combat, air combat and logistics combat. Such units are typically deployed for evacuations and amphibious operations that require ship-to-shore movements, like raids and assaults. They also have ground and aviation combat components, and some units are trained for special operations.
Multiple recent reports, including one by Reuters, revealed that the Trump administration is considering sending thousands more American troops to the Middle East to provide additional options to expand the war on Iran (video below).
Trump is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island
One March 20, Axios even revealed, citing four sources with knowledge of the issue, that Trump is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“We need about a month to weaken the Iranians more with strikes, take the island and then get them by the balls and use it for negotiations,” a source with knowledge of the White House thinking told the American news website.
The island is Iran’s most critical maritime oil export hub, handling roughly 90-95 percent of its crude exports and acting as a central, vulnerable lifeline for the nation’s economy.
U.S. strikes hit military targets on the island on March 13 and Trump has threatened to also strike its critical oil infrastructure. This didn’t deter Iran, however.
According to Axios, not just two, but three different Marine units are on their way to the United States. The report didn’t identify the third unit.
“He wants Hormuz open. If he has to take Kharg Island to make it happen, that’s going to happen. If he decides to have a coastal invasion, that’s going to happen. But that decision hasn’t been made,” a senior administration official told Axios.
READ FURTHER DETAILS HERE ON SOUTH FRONT WEBSITE
originally published by South Front
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